Cinisi

Cinisi, a Sicilian town to discover

Cinisi is a Sicilian town located in the metropolitan area of Palermo, with a population of around 11,850 residents. Situated on the southwestern slope of the Sicilian capital, the town is characterized by an ancient history and natural beauty that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The natural beauty of Cinisi

Nestled between the sea and the mountain, the territory of Cinisi offers exceptional natural beauty. One of the most picturesque places is the Vallone del Furi. From here, you can admire the Fontana dell'Accitella and the location of Piano Margi, at about 600 meters above sea level. Here you can find the lush Bosco di Santo Canale, overlooking Pizzo Montanello (964 m). The coastline is mostly falling within the Aeronautical Demarcation, and therefore access is prohibited. The only sandy beach with beach equipment is Magaggiari, immediately adjacent to the border with the Municipality of Terrasini.

Discover the beauty of Cinisi: history, nature and tourist attractions.

The history of Cinisi

The history of Cinisi dates back to 1382 when the judge Fazio granted the territory to the Benedictine monks of San Martino delle Scale. Thanks to their work, the town began to grow and develop. The Benedictine court, together with the observation towers that were part of the warning system of the Sicilian Coastal Towers, built on the instructions of the Florentine architect Camillo Camilliani, are the oldest and richest constructions in history. Near the top of Montagna Longa, there are ruins of lookout posts of probable Carthaginian origin. Roman coinage has been found in the locality of ''Cipuḍḍazzu'', while remnants of ''opus reticulatum'' are found near Torre Mulinazzo.

The economy of Cinisi

The economy of Cinisi is mainly based on the tertiary sector. In the past, the agricultural sector was very important for the town thanks to dairy production and vegetable cultivation. The milk of the famous Cinisara cow (black and with long horns) was used to obtain cow's milk ricotta and local caciocavallo cheese. However, due to strict regulations on animal husbandry and dairy production, cattle breeding has become a family dimension, and dairy products have become less common. In the past, the cut forest was used for the cultivation of Sicilian Sommacco, from which a particular quality of tannin was obtained for tanning leather. However, the experimental Jojoba plant that was started in the 1980s was not successful, and the cultivation of Fraxinus ornus (Manna ash) for the production of a pediatric laxative medication, mannitol, has been abandoned.

The tourist attractions of Cinisi

Cinisi is a town that offers many tourist attractions. Among the most beautiful churches are the 18th-century Church of Sacramento, the Shrine of Madonna del Furi, the Church of the Holy Souls and the Church and Convent of Santo Canale, both dating back to the 19th century. In addition to churches, there are other attractions such as the Vallone del Furi, where you can admire the Fontana dell'Accitella and the location of Piano Margi. Do not miss the observation towers that were part of the Sicilian Coastal Towers system, including Torre Pozzillo, Torre Mulinazzo, and the Tonnara dell'Ursa Tower. Finally, for sea lovers, there is the beach of Magaggiari, the only sandy beach with beach equipment in Cinisi.

Conclusions

Cinisi is a town that offers many tourist attractions and has a very ancient history. Its natural beauty, the richness of its history, and the variety of its attractions make it an ideal destination for those who want to spend an unforgettable vacation. Finally, to conclude, we say that Cinisi is a place to discover, which will not disappoint the expectations of visitors.

Marco Rossi
Wrote by Marco Rossi
Updated Friday, Jan 27, 2023