Aragona
Discover Aragona, a Sicilian town
Aragona is an Italian town located in the province of Agrigento in Sicily. The town has approximately 8,677 inhabitants and boasts the Natural Reserve of Macalube di Aragona, a very famous tourist attraction. The territory of Aragona is situated on the eastern slopes of Mount Belvedere, at an altitude of about 420 m above sea level.
The history of Aragona
The foundation
The history of Aragona dates back to 1606 when Count Baldassarre III Naselli decided to found a new village in his fief of Diesi and named it Aragona in honor of his mother Beatrice Aragona Branciforti. The request for the village's foundation went through the Sicilian parliament and was eventually accepted by the Spanish Viceroy, Don Lorenzo Suarez de Figueroa and Cordoba. From that moment on, Aragona began to develop, soon becoming an important center for its strategic location and history.
The village
Over the centuries, the Naselli family ruled over Aragona and contributed significantly to the country's development. The first to do so was Count Baldassarre I Naselli, who acquired the fief of Diesi. Baldassarre I's eldest son, Gaspare I Naselli, had to deal with many adventures, so much so that he had to move outside of Italy to escape the vengeance of his enemies. Gaspare's son, Gaspare II Naselli, also known as "The Red Count," married Beatrice Aragona Branciforti of Castelvetrano and contributed to the construction of the village called Aragona, in honor of the prestigious royal family. Baldassarre III continued the construction of the village but died due to malaria along with his two male children. It was Luigi I Naselli who obtained the title of Prince of Aragona, living almost all his life in Palermo. Luigi's son, Baldassare IV Naselli, was very active in the construction of the great feudal palace and the underground grid of connections still unknown. He also contributed to the arrival of the barefoot Mercedarian and Capuchin fathers, financing the construction of their respective convents and churches. After giving up control of all his possessions to son Luigi in 1702, he took religious vows and retired to live at the Capuchin Friars' convent.
The territory of Aragona
The municipal territory of Aragona records the highest rate of Italian emigration, but it is also highly valued for the Natural Reserve of Macalube di Aragona. Mount Belvedere offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Mediterranean coast. Furthermore, many tourists visit Aragona to see its artistic and cultural treasures, such as the Naselli Palace, the Church of St. Michael Archangel, and the Convent of St. Anne.
Conclusions
Aragona is a small Sicilian town that offers a lot to visitors: a history rich in adventures and a unique culture. The town enjoys a strategic location and a spectacular panoramic view, which attracts tourists from all over the world. The Natural Reserve of Macalube di Aragona is a natural wonder worth visiting if you are in the area. With a walk through the historic center, you can admire the Naselli Palace, the Church of St. Michael Archangel, and the Convent of St. Anne. Visit Aragona and discover the beauty of Sicily!
