Gagliano Castelferrato
Discovering Gagliano Castelferrato: a tour through the history and geography of this Sicilian town
Gagliano Castelferrato is a small Sicilian town located in the province of Enna, in the northern part of the region. With its 3,288 inhabitants, it's a place rich in history and charm, immersed in a unique territory. Let's discover together the geography and history hidden behind this ancient village.
Physical Geography
Territory
Gagliano Castelferrato is located on a rocky hill of tuff, perched above the valley floor. Its territory borders the towns of Troina, Cerami, Nicosia, Nissoria, Agira and Regalbuto. The hills surrounding the town are covered with olive trees and cultivated fields. From here, breathtaking views of the valley below can be observed.
History
Gagliano Castelferrato has a long history that dates back to 1900 BC, when it was founded by Morgete Siculo, king of the Sicani, under the name of Galaria. From the ancient Sicani people, it passed into the hands of various civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, and finally the Normans. The arrival of the Arabs in Sicily in AD 858 saw the inhabitants of Gagliano Castelferrato engaged in an epic battle that lasted for two months, defending their Castle.
The Castle fell into Muslim hands, and Gagliano Castelferrato entered a phase of decline until the arrival of the Normans in Sicily. Ruggero the Norman conquered the Castle and handed it over to the loyalists who had fought alongside him, bringing to the birth of the Barony, the County, the Principality, the Viscountship, and even the Vicarage.
During the Angevin domination, from 1268 until the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers in 1282, Gagliano Castelferrato passed into the hands of various feudal families, such as that of Baron Montaneiro Iosa, who was the owner of the Castle and the protagonist of the famous "Gagliano's fact." On that occasion, with a game of wits, Montaneiro Iosa lured the French army into a trap, inflicting a heavy defeat on them. The baron was also familiar with the kings of Aragon and a loyal follower of Frederick III of Sicily (or Trinacria), as Dante Alighieri recalls in his "Divine Comedy."
In 1300, during the Angevin domination, it was feared that the island would fall again under French control. However, the memorable battle of Gagliano, which took place in February of that year, marked the definitive defeat of the French and the ascent to the throne of Peter of Aragon.
Conclusions
Gagliano Castelferrato is a jewel of Sicily, rich in history and tradition. Walking through its streets, one can still breathe the splendor of the different civilizations that have passed through it over the centuries. The scenario that opens up around the town is stunning, with hills covered with olive trees and fields cultivated as far as the eye can see. A visit to Gagliano Castelferrato is a unique experience worth living.
