Petralia Soprana
Petralia Soprana: the village of villages 2018
If you are looking for a charming place to spend your vacation, you should consider Petralia Soprana, located in the province of Palermo, Sicily. This beautiful town of about 3000 inhabitants is located among the Madonie mountains and is part of the natural park of the same name. In 2018, it was awarded as the Village of villages, a recognition that rewards the most beautiful and charming Italian towns. Let's discover the beauties of Petralia Soprana!
The physical geography of Petralia Soprana
A territory between mountains and rivers
Petralia Soprana extends between a maximum altitude of 1657 meters, Pizzo Corvo, and 600 meters above sea level. The territory is characterized by the mountain range of the Madonie and the river Salso that crosses it. The nature here is enchanting: forests and Mediterranean vegetation alternate with pastures and cultivated land.
The history of Petralia Soprana
From the ancient Petra to the Roman conquest
Petralia Soprana has an ancient history that begins with the ancient Sicanians, who called it Petra. In 254 BC, it fell under Roman rule becoming one of the most important cities for the production of Triticum, wheat.
The Middle Ages and Norman domination
In the ninth century, the town was renamed Batraliah during the Aghlabid domination, then passed to the Normans under Roger I of Sicily who fortified it and Latinized it with the construction of several churches. In 1258, Petra was divided into Petra Inferior (Petralia Sottana) and Petra Superior (Petralia Soprana), until the end of the feudal system in 1817.
The symbols of Petralia Soprana
The municipal coat of arms is a perfect summary of the town's history: it represents a castle in ruins and a Madonie thistle plant, a symbol of the lush nature of the area.
What to see in Petralia Soprana
The religious architecture of Petralia Soprana
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is undoubtedly the most emblematic building in the town. Rebuilt in the fourteenth century by the Ventimiglia family, it has a Latin cross plan with three naves and two bell towers, one of which dates back to the eighteenth century. Attached to the Cathedral is also a library that can be visited by appointment.
The castle of Petralia Soprana
If you are passionate about history and architecture, you cannot miss the castle of Petralia Soprana. Fortified in ancient times, then destroyed and now partly ruined, this castle has seen the history of Petralia Soprana unfold under its walls.
Petralia Soprana is an incredibly fascinating town that deserves a visit. You will discover a lush nature that will fascinate you and an ancient history that will move you. Do not miss the opportunity to see a village that deserved the title of "Village of villages" in 2018!
