Ribera
Discovering Ribera, the city of oranges
Ribera is a charming Italian municipality in Sicily, located 230 meters above sea level, about 7 km from the sea and positioned on the SS115 southwestern Sicilian road, which connects Trapani to Siracusa. Known as the city of oranges, Ribera is also one of the Slow Food cities, which is part of the international network of liveable cities, thanks to its Mediterranean cuisine, which uses fresh and genuine products. In this article, we go on a discovery of this wonderful little town.
Physical Geography
Territory
The territory of Ribera is surrounded by the Verdura and Magazzolo rivers and borders the municipalities of Sciacca and Caltabellotta to the west and Cattolica Eraclea to the east, delimited by the Platani river. Thanks to its geographical location, Ribera enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures of 26 - 28 degrees Celsius in July and August and a climate of the Mediterranean type with maximum peaks of 40 - 42 degrees Celsius.
Climate
Regarding the climate classification, Ribera belongs to zone C, with 974 degree days. Ribera is also a medium-high seismic zone, classified as zone 2.
History
From Origins to the End of the XVII Century
The territory of Ribera has always been very fertile and since the Middle Ages, many farmers went to Allava to cultivate various productions, including Oryza sativa, wheat, almonds, olives, and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. However, Ribera is a relatively young city, founded in 1635 by the Prince of Paterno Luigi Guglielmo I Moncada, who decided to create a settlement where farmers would work the land while remaining under his jurisdiction.
From Eighteenth Century Onwards
Subsequently, Ribera passed under the control of the Naselli family, who developed the citrus trade and contributed to the construction of important public works, such as the Rizzari Bridge. In 1879, Ribera saw the birth of Francesco Crispi, one of the most important Italian politicians of the nineteenth century, whose name is still linked to the town today. In the twentieth century, Ribera had to face the crisis of citrus farming but managed to overcome the difficulty by developing other activities, such as animal husbandry and onion production.
Culture and Traditions
City of Oranges
Ribera is mainly known as the "city of oranges", thanks to the vast production of this high-quality citrus. Every year, at the end of May, the famous "Orange Festival" takes place, an event that celebrates not only the production of this citrus but also the culture and traditions of the city. During the festival, groups of people in ancient costume parade through the streets of the town, and various cultural, musical and gastronomic activities take place.
Art and History
Ribera also preserves numerous works of art and historical testimonies that represent its beauty and culture. Among the most important monuments of the city, there is the Church of San Giuseppe, with its Norman-origin bell tower. Furthermore, Ribera houses the Civic Museum "Ludovico Rossotto", which collects archaeological artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Ribera is a mix of Sicilian and Mediterranean traditions, characterized by the use of local, fresh, and genuine ingredients. Among the typical dishes of the city, there are pasta with sardines, caponata alla siciliana, and eggplant parmigiana. But the city's pride is undoubtedly the orange, which can be enjoyed in numerous variations, including fresh juice, jam, or even candied orange.
Conclusions
Ribera is a jewel of Sicily, with a fascinating history, a culture rich in traditions, and a dreamlike natural landscape. Its Mediterranean climate, genuine cuisine, and high-quality orange production make this city a true paradise for those seeking a complete sensory pleasure. Come and discover Ribera and let yourself be conquered by its beauty!
