Godrano
Welcome to Godrano: History and Geography
Hello everyone! Today, I want to talk to you about Godrano, an Italian municipality located in the metropolitan city of Palermo, in Sicily. Approximately 1067 people live here at 700 meters above sea level, at the foot of Rocca Busambra. The municipality covers an area of 3,887 hectares with a population density of 30 inhabitants per square kilometer. The municipality is very close to the natural reserve Bosco della Ficuzza, Rocca Busambra, Bosco del Cappelliere, and Gorgo del Drago.
The History of Godrano
Godrano has a very interesting history. It was inhabited during the Islamic Sicily period, which gave it the name of the lake, Al-Gudran (today Lago Scanzano), that opens in front of it. In the 14th century, the place experienced a period of splendor. The farmhouse that stood on these lands became the home of King Peter I of Aragon. However, the history of the current Godrano began in the 16th century, when Annibale Valguarnera founded the new settlement a bit further downstream from the original site.
The Mafia Faida
Unfortunately, Godrano's history has not just been one of glory and splendor. In 1921, a mafia feud began between two families in the municipality, the Barbaccia and the Lorello, for control of the pastures that extend into the nearby Bosco della Ficuzza. This was also the place where stolen animals were hidden before being taken to clandestine slaughterhouses. In 1959, a brutal massacre led to 60 murders in less than half a century, 40 of which were committed due to the feud between the two families. Many innocent people were killed in this bloody struggle, including the 19-year-old Vincenzo Pecoraro and his 10-year-old brother Antonino in 1959. However, thanks to the investigations and the related trials, many mafia bosses were imprisoned or expelled from the municipality. One of the most well-known bosses was Salvatore "Turiddu" Lorello, called "the hunchback," who, after his release, was forced to reside in Messina.
The Municipality's Pacification
Fortunately, peace arrived for Godrano thanks to the arrival of Don Pino Puglisi, appointed parish priest of the town in 1970. With the help of volunteers from the Franciscan-inspired movement "Presence of the Gospel," who came to collaborate with him from Palermo, he managed to pacify the population. Don Pino Puglisi remained in Godrano until 1978 and left an indelible mark on the hearts of the citizens.
Conclusions
So, here's the history of Godrano, a municipality in Sicily that has faced and overcome many difficulties. Today, Godrano is a peaceful city, ideal for those who love nature and the Sicilian landscape. Thanks to the natural reserve Bosco della Ficuzza, Rocca Busambra, Bosco del Cappelliere, and Gorgo del Drago, Godrano is a true paradise for hiking and outdoor excursions enthusiasts. If you are looking for a characteristic place to enjoy the beauty of Sicily, you cannot miss visiting Godrano.
