Montevago
The Beauty of Montevago
Montevago, an Agrigento municipality with just over 2600 inhabitants, owes its name to the sulphuric water source that gave rise to the Acqua Pia Thermal Baths, a place known since ancient times for its healing properties. The area has always been frequented by man, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds discovered in the area.
But the charm of Montevago does not end here: the area has an incredibly rich history, evidenced by numerous events that have characterized the area. One of these is the Battle of the Crimiso, fought in 339 BC between Timoleon's Greek army and the Punic army of Amilcare Barca and Asdrubale Barca. The Montevago area seems to be located right here, and in the Saccafena district numerous tombs have been discovered with skeletons and funeral furnishings typical of warriors.
The History of the Miserendino Barony
Another important stage in the history of Montevago is linked to the Miserendino barony. The Miserendino fiefdom and its castle were granted to Antonio Moncada, Count of Adernò, by King Martino I of Sicily in 1392. Then, the barony passed from hand to hand until it came to the Filangeri family. In 1636, Girolama Xirotta purchased the three fiefs of Adrigna, Serafino and Gipponeri and obtained permission to populate the fief of Gipponeri, giving the town the name of Montevago. Together with the construction of the Xirotta baronial house and the nearby Church of San Francesco, the first urban nucleus of the town developed according to a rational orthogonal scheme.
The Xirotta Family
The Xirotta family, one of the most important in the area, strongly characterized the history of Montevago. Rutilio Xirotta took the investiture of the three fiefs of Adrigna, Serafino and Gipponeri, which formed the state of Montevago, marrying Eleonora Gravina Migliaccio from whom he had the children Saverio and Girolama. Rutilio was then awarded the title of Prince of Montevago, along with the faculty of populating the fief of Gipponeri.
Legends linked to Montevago
But Montevago is not only history and ancient charm: even popular legends have found a home in this Agrigento municipality. The legend of Cinzio and Corinzia is very famous, which tells the story of two young people who loved each other but were destined for a sad fate. The sulphuric water source that gave rise to the Acqua Pia Thermal Baths would originate precisely from their tears.
Conclusions
Montevago is therefore a municipality that never ceases to fascinate and surprise. Its ancient history, combined with popular legends and the beauty of the place, make it a perfect destination for anyone who wants to disconnect from the chaos of the city and be enchanted by its breathtaking landscapes. For this reason, if you are thinking of organizing a trip to Sicily, Montevago cannot be missing from the itinerary!
