Campofelice di Fitalia
Campofelice di Fitalia: a charmingly named city
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about Campofelice di Fitalia, a municipality in the metropolitan city of Palermo in Sicily. The name of this city is already enchanting: according to popular tradition, it was given as a gift to the wife of the Prince whose name was Maria Felice. However, in reality, the name composed of "campo" and "felice" indicates the fertility of the land, and in this sense, it assumes the same meaning as the Greek term "fitalia", which indicates fruitful land. In short, we find ourselves in a city where nature, land, and fertility are the protagonists!
History of Campofelice di Fitalia
Origins
Campofelice di Fitalia is a fairly recent municipality: it started to exist only from 1814 when the founding prince granted newcomers a long-term lease on their houses and a piece of land to cultivate. The population grew steadily for a long time, with significant demographic development. By the 1861 census, there were already 1017 inhabitants.
Medieval period
However, the history of Campofelice di Fitalia is older: the territory of Fitalia was a fiefdom since 1101 when the Normans defeated the Arabs. King Roger II granted the village of Fitalia with all its territory to Goffredo of Palermo as a reward for his services. From this point on, the Fitalia fiefdom was inherited by his nephew, Matteo Calvello. Emperor Frederick II of Swabia confirmed his privilege in 1229. According to some historians, the village of Fitalia became depopulated between 1320 and 1327 and then repopulated in the sixteenth century; the church dedicated to St. Nicholas was built around the beginning of the sixteenth century.
Modern period
The foundation of Campofelice di Fitalia only took place at the beginning of the nineteenth century when the Prince of Fitalia, Don Girolamo Settimo Calvello and Naselli, was granted the ancient permission (licentia populandi) to establish his own town by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon on September 1st, 1810. Thus, this marvelous municipality was born, which still today maintains its fertility and its deep bond with nature.
What to do in Campofelice di Fitalia
If you're in Campofelice di Fitalia, you can take a stroll through ancient churches like the one of San Nicola - built in the sixteenth century - or visit the ruins of the Castle of Fitalia, located a few kilometers away, and built by the Normans in the twelfth century. You can also taste local products, such as cheese and bread, as the city is famous for its wheat production. Not to be missed are numerous festivals throughout the year, such as the patron saint's festival of San Nicola every 6th of December.
How to reach Campofelice di Fitalia
If you decide to visit Campofelice di Fitalia, you can reach it by train or car, thanks to the proximity of the A19 "Palermo-Catania" highway. The city is located on the northern slope of the Madonie Mountains, a few kilometers from the sea and the Tyrrhenian coast, which make the landscape truly exceptional.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Campofelice di Fitalia is a city where nature and fertility of the land are the absolute protagonists. Its history, despite being relatively recent, is very interesting and deserves to be discovered and deepened. If you are in Sicily, do not miss the opportunity to make a stop in Campofelice di Fitalia, taste its typical products, walk through its ancient churches, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
