Priolo Gargallo
A small Sicilian town: Priolo Gargallo
Welcome to Priolo Gargallo, a small Italian town located in Sicily. This municipality is famous for its natural and historical landscapes. If you are passionate about history, geography and culture, then Priolo Gargallo is the right place for you!
Physical Geography
Priolo Gargallo is located 14 kilometers away from Syracuse, in the north-western part of the Climiti mountains. The town extends along the coast, between the municipality of Melilli and Syracuse, in the Gulf of Augusta.
The natural beauty of Priolo Gargallo offers a wide range of possibilities for nature lovers. One can take relaxing walks in the mountains or enjoy the beaches along the coast. Water sports enthusiasts such as surfing and kite surfing will find many opportunities to practice their favorite activities in the area.
Origins of the name
The toponym Priolo probably derives from the Greek term ''priolos'', which means prior; this is because the territory was ecclesiastical property in the centuries before the Arab conquest of Sicily. Gargallo, on the other hand, is the surname of the Marquis Tommaso, who founded the modern settlement in the 19th century.
History
Priolo Gargallo has a very ancient history. The first traces of human presence in the territory date back to the 15th century BC with the city of Thapsos, which became an important center during the Bronze Age. The city was then dominated first by the Greeks of Megara and later by the Romans.
After the Byzantine and Arab domination, Priolo passed under the Norman domination and subsequently under the Aragonese. In the 19th century, the Marquis Tommaso Gargallo founded the modern municipality and began the cultivation of the land.
During World War II, Priolo Gargallo was the site of a concentration camp built by the British.
In the 1950s, the city underwent a major transformation with the construction of the Syracuse petrochemical complex.
The municipality of Priolo Gargallo
In the 1970s, the population of Priolo Gargallo requested autonomy from the municipality of Syracuse. In 1979, the municipality was elevated to autonomy thanks to Regional Law No. 177 of July 21st. The new municipality was formed by combining part of the territory of Syracuse and part of that of Melilli.
Today, Priolo Gargallo is a lively and welcoming city, with a population of about 11,289 inhabitants. The city offers visitors a series of attractions, including the Municipal Museum, the Church of Santa Maria di Portosalvo and Piazza dei Quattro Canti.
Priolo Gargallo is also famous for its carnival, which takes place every year during the Carnival period, and for the feast of the patron saint, San Francesco di Paola, celebrated on October 2nd.
Conclusions
In summary, Priolo Gargallo is a small Sicilian town that offers a lot to visitors. Its natural beauty, ancient history, and rich cultural heritage make it a unique place, where you can experience an authentic Italian experience. Come and discover Priolo Gargallo and be fascinated by its beauty!
