Cattolica Eraclea
Cattolica Eraclea: The Sicilian Jewel to Discover
If you are looking for a hidden treasure in Sicily, Cattolica Eraclea might be your ideal destination. This small town of just 3,289 inhabitants, located in the free municipal consortium of Agrigento, stands on a plateau a few kilometers from the sea and is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains.
Let's Discover the Physical Geography of Cattolica Eraclea
The territory of Cattolica Eraclea ranges from Mount Sorcio, which is 521.2 meters above sea level, to the valley of the Platani river, north of the city. Mount San Giorgio and Mount Giafaglione, with their elevations that stand out on the hill, make the place panoramic.
A Brief History of Cattolica Eraclea
The foundation of Cattolica Eraclea dates back to 1612, when permission was obtained to build a settlement by King Philip III of Spain. In obedience to His Catholic Majesty, the settlement was called "Cattolica," but in the following centuries it took on several noble titles, eventually becoming a principality. In 1874, it was decided to add the name of the Greek colony "Eraclea Minoa" to the original name of the city to distinguish it from the locality of Cattolica in the Marche region.
The Symbols of Cattolica Eraclea
The coat of arms of the municipality of Cattolica Eraclea is formed by a black eagle flanked by two golden crowns and capped by the usual pontifical headgear. On the sides are the representative symbols of the city, namely the wheel with flames and the dry tree with a thick foliage.
What to Visit in Cattolica Eraclea?
Among the monuments and places of interest in Cattolica Eraclea, the numerous religious architectures present in the city stand out. The Church of the Holy Spirit, the Church of Maria Santissima della Mercede, the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, the Church of the Rosary and the Church of Purgatorio are just some of the attractions you could visit.
For those who are passionate about ancient history, the hamlet of Eraclea Minoa hosts the most important archaeological site, with the remains of an ancient Greek city.
For those who instead want to enjoy nature, the Italian regional nature reserves (RNO) that constitute the mouth of the Platani river and the adjacent lands, with typical dune vegetation, are a must-see. Here you can encounter numerous species of birds, including the Grey Heron, the Yellow-legged Gull, the Red Heron and the Marsh Harrier.
The Society of the Municipality of Cattolica Eraclea
In recent years, the municipality has undergone demographic evolution, with an increase in residents in the city.
Further Information on the Hamlet of Eraclea Minoa
Eraclea Minoa is the most important hamlet of Cattolica Eraclea. Located close to the sea, the settlement consists of a few houses, most of which are inhabited only in the summer, and a camping site. Here you can visit the remains of an ancient Greek city dating back to the 8th century BCE. The site was abandoned by the inhabitants due to the foundation of the ancient colony of Selinunte.
Local Economy
Agriculture is the main driver of the local economy, with the cultivation of cereals, olive oil, and wine.
In Conclusion
Cattolica Eraclea is a wonderful town, perfect for a day of exploration in the less-touristy Sicily. Visit the main attractions of the city, but be sure to take a look at the archaeological site and the Italian regional nature reserve for a complete experience of the beauty and history of this municipality!
