Santa Elisabetta
Welcome to Santa Elisabetta
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Santa Elisabetta, a town in Sicily with a population of about 2145 inhabitants. This beautiful hillside city is located between the Platani and Salso rivers, 425 meters above sea level and a few kilometers from Agrigento.
Let's explore the city
Santa Elisabetta covers an area of about 27 square kilometers and is characterized by the hilly terrain surrounding it. The area is made up of brown and regosol soils and is rich in white and foram-bearing marls. These geological elements have given the city a unique and fascinating identity.
The history of the name
But where does the name of the city come from? Santa Elisabetta takes its name from the mother of John the Baptist. However, according to legend, the eponymous character could be an Arabian princess named Elisabetta, who converted to Christianity, fled home to live in poverty among the shepherds. This is one of those stories that make the city even more fascinating.
A rich and varied history
Santa Elisabetta has a rich and varied history. Founded in 1620 by Nicolò Giuseppe Montaperto, Lord of Raffadali, it was owned by the Bonanno family in the 17th century and later by the noble Lanza family. Until 1955, it was part of the municipality of Aragona, from which it was separated by a regional law.
Symbols of Santa Elisabetta
The coat of arms of Santa Elisabetta is beautiful and very simple: it represents a white castle with three towers, which symbolizes the Arab fortress of Monte Guastanella, located between Raffadali and Santa Elisabetta. The municipal banner is white.
Monuments and places of interest
There is a lot to see in Santa Elisabetta! The city is full of churches and historic monuments, including the Church of Santo Stefano, built in the second half of the 18th century and a work of art in itself. There is also the Church of Sant'Antonio, which houses a statue of the Addolorata of Spanish iconography, an ebony sculpture of Saint Joseph with the child and a stone representation of the Madonna delle Grazie. The Church of Santissimo Crocifisso is another beautiful church to visit.
The Fort of Monte Guastanella
But the real attraction of Santa Elisabetta is the Arab Fortress of Monte Guastanella. Built on a hill between Raffadali and Santa Elisabetta, this historic fortress is of great archaeological importance. In addition, Byzantine remains, protohistoric and protogreek ceramics have been found downstream.
Conclusions
In short, Santa Elisabetta is a city worth visiting and discovering! Its history, its monuments and its natural beauty offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Those looking for a place far from the chaos of the city and close to nature will find in Santa Elisabetta the ideal place to spend their free time. Come and visit Santa Elisabetta, you won't be disappointed!
