Granieri
Granieri: a small hamlet of Caltagirone
If you're looking for a peaceful and historically rich place to discover, you can't miss out on Granieri, a hamlet of Caltagirone with a population of 407. This small village is located 13.3 km away from the center of Caltagirone and 81 km from the regional capital of Catania. Its geographical location makes it particularly suggestive, as it is located on pliocene plateaus in the southern part of the municipal territory, in an agricultural area, to the east of the Bosco di Santo Pietro Natural Reserve.
The inhabited nucleus of Granieri develops around the castle, located in the western part of the territory, and extends towards the surrounding countryside, including numerous hamlets such as Albanazzo, Camarella, Cirrìo, Costabaira, Cugnolungo, Favara, Inchiuso, Insolio, Mascalucia, Olivella, Piano Evoli, Pietra Scritta, Poggio delle Forche, Ramione, Vaito and Valle Bruca.
Pleasant climate all year round
The climate in Granieri is very pleasant thanks to its location at 351 meters above sea level. During the summer, maximum temperatures hover around 30 degrees, but the breeze that blows on the hills around the village mitigates the heat. In winter, on the other hand, the climate is very mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below zero.
The history of Granieri
The origins of Granieri date back to the history of Norman Sicily, but it was only in the Aragonese period that the hamlet detached itself from the vast barony of Fetanasimo to become an autonomous property. In the 14th century, the fiefdom passed from Nicola Lancia to Riccardo Piza di Vizzini, and then in 1417 it was sold to the Benedictines who granted the use of it to the Monastery of Santa Maria di Licodia. Over the centuries, the Graneri fiefdom passed from hand to hand of various noble families, until its confiscation in 1866 in implementation of the ecclesiastical asset revival. The fiefdom was divided into twelve quotes and sold at auction in 1869. Today, Granieri is a flourishing village that still retains traces of its millenary history.
Granieri today
Granieri is a hamlet that essentially lives on agriculture and animal husbandry. The surrounding countryside is rich in crops of wheat, salads, tomatoes, and vegetables in general, but also pastures where sheep and goats graze. In the historic center of the village, you can visit the Castle of Granieri, which has undergone several transformations over the centuries, and numerous churches, including the Church of San Benedetto Abate, the patron saint of the village. Furthermore, the territory of Granieri is particularly suitable for those who love walking in nature. In fact, the Bosco di Santo Pietro Nature Reserve, located to the east of the village, offers many opportunities for trekking and guided tours to discover the flora and fauna of the area.
In summary, Granieri is a fascinating place to visit for those seeking a vacation away from the chaos of cities, immersed in the beauty of nature and in a familiar and welcoming environment. The millenary history of the hamlet, the pleasant climate, the magnificent countryside, and the possibility of practicing outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for a rejuvenating stay.
