Montelepre
Welcome to Montelepre
Hello everyone! If you're looking for a peaceful and picturesque place to spend your holidays, then Montelepre is the perfect destination for you! With its population of 5822 and its location on the slopes of Monte d'Oro, this commune of the metropolitan city of Palermo will offer you an authentic and typically Sicilian experience. Curious to know more about the history of Montelepre? Keep reading!
History of Montelepre
The history of Montelepre dates back to classical times, when the city of Hyccara was a military ally of some of the most important Sicilian cities of the time, including Selinunte, Catania and Syracuse. When the Athenians attacked Hyccara, some of the inhabitants took refuge on Monte d'Oro, the highest point in the area, to control the surrounding territory. Once they left Monte d'Oro, the inhabitants descended to the valley where they settled permanently and where a fiefdom belonging to the monastery of S. Caterina al Cassaro in Palermo was built.
In 1429, the fiefdom was acquired by the Cathedral of Monreale and to protect the territory from the action of bandits, the archbishop of Monreale, Giovanni Ventimiglia, had a tower built around 1435. Feeling safe, the inhabitants began to build their own homes around it. In 1600, the village passed to Pietro Bellacera di Monreale, after whose death his wife Maria had the mother church, the church of Sant'Antonio and the church of San Giuseppe built. In 1812, the village was declared a commune with the name Montelepre and in 1848 Paolo Migliore founded a secret society of carbonari that had direct relations with Giuseppe Mazzini. During Garibaldi's march towards Palermo, the carbonari of Montelepre drove out the Bourbon troops that were about to attack the commune. In 1864, Montelepre had serious problems due to a cholera epidemic, which lasted for three years.
Life in Montelepre
During the eighteenth century, there was a significant increase in the population, from a few hundred inhabitants to as many as 3000. Castrenze di Bella, a wealthy Monrealese landowner, had a small civic hospital built on the north periphery of the commune and the Maria College, which aimed to teach girls the art of embroidery. In the early twentieth century, many Monteleprese emigrated in search of work in the United States of America and northern Europe.
From the first half of the twentieth century, Montelepre was at the center of attention because the Monteleprese bandit Salvatore Giuliano was sowing terror in the neighboring communes. Today, Montelepre is a peaceful and welcoming commune, with a lively social and cultural life. Among the main tourist attractions, not to be missed are the Civic Museum, which preserves important historical evidence, and the Confraternity of the Holy Cross, which guards an ancient and precious crucifix made of gold and precious stones.
What to do in Montelepre
If you visit Montelepre, you can't miss the opportunity to taste the typical products of the local cuisine, which is based on peasant and pastoral tradition. Montelepre's bread, for example, is famous for its crunchy crust and soft crumb. You can also taste local cheeses, including caciocavallo and pecorino, prepared with sheep's milk and having an intense and distinctive flavor. Don't miss the typical durum wheat pasta, such as busiate, tagliatelle, and lasagne, seasoned with meat-based or fresh vegetable sauces.
If you love nature, in Montelepre you can take long walks in the lush forests of Monte d'Oro, enjoying a breathtaking panorama of the valley below and the surrounding mountains. Monte d'Oro also offers numerous sports activities, including climbing, trekking, and cycling.
Conclusions
Montelepre is a magical and authentic place, where history merges with nature and culinary tradition. If you're looking for a different holiday experience, immersed in the beauty and genuineness of Sicily, then choose Montelepre! We assure you that you won't regret it!
