Butera
Welcome to Butera!
Hello everyone! Today I'm taking you to discover the municipality of Butera, one of the hidden jewels of Sicily. Located in the free municipal consortium of Caltanissetta, Butera has about 4,000 inhabitants and is nestled in the beautiful plain of Gela. Are you ready to explore this wonderful location?
Physical geography
But before we immerse ourselves in the history and beauties of Butera, let's talk about geography. The territory of this municipality is a marvel: green hills and blue plains alternate in a succession of colors and spectacular landscapes. The city is located on a hill 402 meters above sea level, overlooking the Gulf of Gela. This is where Butera differs from the other municipalities in the province, because it is among the very few to have the privilege of being bathed by the Mediterranean. Among its pearls, we find Lake Comunelli, an oasis of peace that Butera is very proud of: in fact, it is the ninth city in Sicily in terms of area, and the 39th in Italy.
History
But let's move on to history! Butera's way of life dates back to prehistory, when the hill on which the city was built was already inhabited by the ancient Sicani people. Numerous archaeological excavations that have brought to light tombs and other valuable objects testify to this. During the Greek colonization, on the other hand, Butera had to fight many times against the powerful Gela, suffering raids and violence. Despite this, the city always remained a bulwark against external aggressions, especially in the period of the high Middle Ages, between the fifth and eleventh centuries.
Artistic and cultural heritage
But what is Butera's artistic and cultural heritage? Among the obligatory stops of your tour, there are certainly the Castle of Butera, a suggestive fortress from the twelfth century built by the Arabs and enlarged during the Norman period; the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which boasts a beautiful stone portal and houses a wooden statue of St. John the Baptist inside; and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Adonai, an ancient rock chapel carved into the rock.
But that's not all! In Butera, it is also possible to visit museums and exhibition halls, such as the Archaeological Civic Museum, where you can discover the prehistory and ancient history of the city, or the Contemporary Art Gallery, which exhibits works by local and international artists.
Events and celebrations
If you come to Butera in the summer, you have the embarrassment of choice among the many events that color the life of the city. For example, in June there is the Feast of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city, with processions and folkloristic shows; in July, on the other hand, the city comes alive with the Butera Music Festival, which every year hosts concerts by great Italian and international artists.
What to try
But let's get down to business: what can you absolutely try in Butera? Definitely, the food! The cuisine of this municipality is a true delight for the palate, thanks to dishes such as pasta with sardines, caponata and Sicilian cassata. And what about olive oil, a local product of the highest quality?
Relaxation and sea
But Butera is also a place where you can relax on the beach, admiring the wonderful panoramas of the Mediterranean. If you like beach life, you should know that the seaside villages of Falconara and Marina di Butera are waiting for you, equipped with every comfort and designed to meet the needs of adults and children.
In short, what are you waiting for? Butera is ready to welcome you and make you experience an unforgettable experience. Come and visit us!
