Caltavuturo
Welcome to Caltavuturo!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Caltavuturo, a small town in the metropolitan city of Palermo in Sicily, Italy, with a population of approximately 3,599. One of the reasons I love talking about this town is that it is surrounded by the Madonie Park and located within the Himera Valley. The town boasts a fortress called Rocca di Sciara, which was an ancient stronghold, presumably Byzantine, and over the centuries, it has seen various dominations.
The history of Caltavuturo
According to ancient records, the first settlement dates back to the Byzantine domination, between the 6th and 7th centuries, thanks to the Byzantine commander Giorgio Maniace, Prince and Vicar of the Emperor of Constantinople, a descendant of the imperial family of Byzantium. During the Arab period, the town was called ''Qal‘at Abī l-Thawr''(fortress of Abū Thawr) after the Muslim leader who took possession of it. However, there is no certain evidence regarding this. Alternatively, it is said that Caltavuturo derives from the Arabic word "qal‘at" (fortress) and the Sicilian word "vuturu/vuturuni" (vulture/griffin), thus taking the meaning of "Fortress of the Vulture," a bird of prey that is still present in the area.
During the Norman domination, the town belonged to the family of Count Roger and later to the Ventimiglia. In 1550, some of the inhabitants moved outside the city walls, at a lower altitude than the rocky terrace of the "Terravecchia," the seat of the original nucleus.
Beyond the historical past, the city has also experienced difficult moments, such as during the Sicilian Fasci revolt in 1893. That year, during a protest demonstration, 500 peasants were dispersed by soldiers and police officers, and thirteen protesters lost their lives.
Places of interest
Caltavuturo has a lot to offer its visitors! One of the most suggestive places is the Rocca di Sciara, which dominates the surrounding area. The view from there is breathtaking, especially at sunset. Inside the town, there are many historic buildings, churches, and monuments worth visiting. The Mother Church dedicated to Maria Santissima della Catena dates back to the 16th century and houses frescoes and works of art.
If you want to discover more about the history of the town, you can visit the Archaeological Civic Museum, where various artifacts are exhibited, including ceramics, coins, and tombs dating back to the 3rd century B.C.
Food and culture
Like every town in Sicily, Caltavuturo is famous for its delicious cuisine! Caltavuturo's potato focaccia is exquisite, and in the town's restaurants, you can taste traditional dishes such as pasta alla Normanna, pasta with sardines, and the sweet Cannolo. If you are in town during the summer period, you can take a walk in the historic center where there are often cultural events, such as concerts and art exhibitions.
Conclusions
In summary, Caltavuturo is a hidden gem in Sicily, full of history, culture, and delicious food. If you are in the area, you should not miss a visit to the town. The beauty of its places of interest, the hospitality of the inhabitants, and the peace of the town will leave you with an unforgettable memory. Thank you for reading my summary, and I hope I have inspired you to visit Caltavuturo!
