Ravanusa
Ravanusa: history and physical geography
If you are a lover of Sicily, you will surely have heard of Ravanusa, a municipality of 10,342 inhabitants belonging to the free municipal consortium of Agrigento. Located to the east of the provincial capital, south of Caltanissetta and Sommatino (CL), Ravanusa seems to form a single urban agglomeration with the adjacent Campobello di Licata, located just 3 km away.
The beaches of Licata are easily reachable from Ravanusa, thanks to the fast-flowing motorway that can be travelled in around 20 minutes. The municipal territory covers 49.57 km² and is famous for the presence of Mount Saraceno, a place of well-known archaeological finds of Greek origin.
The medieval history of Ravanusa
The history of Ravanusa is very ancient: the new town, founded in the Norman period, dates back to 1086, the year in which Roger d'Altavilla conquered Agrigento and the surrounding territory. According to legend, the Norman army - thirsty due to excessive heat and lack of water - was about to succumb when Roger invoked the Virgin Mary who showed him the fig tree at the foot of the mountain from which water flowed. The army drank and, regaining strength, defeated the Saracens.
Near the fig tree, to thank the Madonna, the first Christian temple dedicated to the Madonna del Fico and del Fonte was erected. The paladin baptized that area with the name of Rivinuta, found water. The surviving Christians descended from the mountain and formed the first nucleus of a new town. This suggests that Count Roger had to find Christian inhabitants and the construction of the church brought the few families together.
The fiefdom of Ravanusa was granted by Roger to Salvatore Palmeri, who had distinguished himself in the struggle against the Saracens. The alternating events saw the succession of landlords on this fiefdom until 1449, when Giovanni Andrea Crescenzo received it as a dowry from his wife. He obtained permission from the king to raise the fiefdom from simple to noble, and from December 30, 1472, the Barony of Ravanusa began.
When Ferdinand of Bourbon abolished feudalism in favour of the Municipalities, the landowners were forced to cede their palaces. The current town was founded by Giacomo Bonanno (a Sicilian family) with the populandi licence of 1616.
Territory and connections
Ravanusa is located at the foot of Mount Saraceno and is an excellent starting point for exploring Sicily. It is very close to the beaches of Licata, which are connected by a fast-flowing motorway that can be travelled in around 20 minutes. The railway station is located 3 km from the town centre, in the territory of the municipality of Campobello di Licata, and is part of the Canicattì-Gela line.
Conclusions
Ravanusa is the ideal place to experience an unforgettable holiday in the heart of Sicily. With its ancient history and strategic position, it offers tourists and visitors the opportunity to discover a land rich in charm and traditions. Visit Ravanusa and discover the true spirit of Sicily!
