Bompensiere
Discovering Bompensiere, the least populous municipality in the Caltanissetta municipal consortium
Bompensiere, also known as Naduri in Sicilian, is a small Italian municipality located in the Caltanissetta municipal consortium in Sicily. With only 495 inhabitants, Bompensiere is the least populous municipality in the consortium and boasts a privileged geographical position, located almost in the center of Sicily, on a hilly area from which splendid panoramic views can be admired.
Physical Geography
Territory
The municipal territory extends for about one kilometer and, on average, its altitude above sea level is 290 meters, with some areas reaching 320 meters in altitude. Crossed by the Gallo d'Oro river, the Nadure and Salito streams, it partially delimits the border with Montedoro and Mussomeli, and its overall extension is 19.74 km².
The town of Bompensiere stretches along a single main road, on which the houses are almost uniformly distributed. The lowest point of the town center is located to the northwest, at an altitude of about 270 meters above sea level, while the highest point is located to the southeast at an altitude of about 320 meters above sea level.
History
Modern Age
The settlement of Bompensiere was born in 1557 when the farmers who worked the lands of that area decided to settle permanently in those places. In 1628, Don Ottavio Lanza obtained from the viceroy Francesco Fernandez de la Curva the license to build a new village composed of 80 families, in the area already inhabited by farmers of the Barony of Mussomeli. After the death of Don Giovanni Lanza, who had no legitimate children, his brother Ottavio took over, who named the village "Bompenzeri", from which the modern name of Bompensiere derives. In 1700 it counted about 200 inhabitants, and during the eighteenth century, the church of the Holy Crucifix was inaugurated, the only church present in the territory.
Contemporary Age
In 1868 the municipality was suppressed and aggregated to the municipality of Montedoro, but then it was reconstituted in 1911. Bompensiere obtained political and administrative independence thanks to the commitment of Padre Montalto, the town's priest, who fought for the autonomy of the city. In 1915, during the First World War, 80 men left Bompensiere, of whom about ten died. During the Second World War, the town was heavily bombed by the Germans to prevent passage on the Gallo d'Oro river bridge, which represented the only access road to the Sicilian hinterland, to Caltanissetta and beyond. During one of the bombings, a Royal Air Force plane was shot down by a German Messerschmitt Bf 109, and crashed where the municipality post office is now located.
Tourism
Bompensiere is an ideal place for those looking for a relaxing vacation, immersed in nature and far from the chaos and stress of big cities. Thanks to its geographical position, splendid panoramic views can be admired, excursions can be made to discover the natural beauty of Sicily, and typical local cuisine can be tasted.
Among the most interesting attractions of Bompensiere are the Holy Crucifix church, dating back to the eighteenth century, the chapel in the cemetery, the fountain, and the Gallo D'Oro river bridge, the symbol of the town.
The territory of Bompensiere is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and trekking enthusiasts, thanks to the trails that wind through the hills and mountains and offer breathtaking views of the entire area.
Furthermore, Bompensiere is famous for its production of almonds with a more elongated shape than the traditional almond. The product is used in different ways by the families of the town and is also sold to tourists as a souvenir.
Conclusions
Whether you are looking for a quiet place to relax during your vacation or an area to practice sports and discover the natural beauty of Sicily, Bompensiere can be the perfect choice. Thanks to its millenary history, the town also offers the opportunity to discover local traditions and culture, among historical monuments, centuries-old churches, and typical productions. Come and discover Bompensiere and let yourself be conquered by the beauty of this small Sicilian municipality!
