Valverde
Valverde: the Italian commune in Sicily
Are you ready to explore the fascinating Italian town of Valverde? With a population of 7,731 inhabitants, Valverde is a lively commune located in the metropolitan city of Catania in Sicily. The name of the commune, "Beḍḍuvirdi" in Sicilian, was Italianized from the original "Vallis Viridis". If you want to learn more about the history, symbols, and places of interest in the commune, keep reading!
Origin of the name
The origin of the ancient toponym "Vallis Viridis" is still debated by historians. The village was called in Sicilian "Bedduviddi" (Belverde), and then Italianized. It is not difficult to understand why this name was chosen: the town is located between gentle green hills of citrus groves and almond trees.
History
Valverde and the other Aci towns traced their common origin to the hypothetical Xiphonia, a mysterious Greek center that is now disappeared. In the Middle Ages, it became an important center for trade between Europe and the East. The Arab "Al-Yag" coincided with that of the Castle of Aci. The Sanctuary of Mary Most Holy of Valverde was founded in this historical period.
Under Spanish control in the 17th century, Aquilia Nuova (Acireale) became an important economic center, generating tensions and rivalries between the villages that demanded administrative autonomy. The separation of the villages led to the birth of Aci Bonaccorsi, Aci Castello, Aci San Filippo, and Aci Sant'Antonio, including "Aci" Valverde, Aci Catena, and Aci Santa Lucia.
Municipal autonomy was obtained only in 1951 when the municipality of Aci Sant'Antonio appropriated the funds intended for the construction of the cemetery of the then Valverde fraction in contrada Caramme. The reaction of the Valverdeans led to the creation of the Municipality of Valverde and the election of its first mayor, Vincenzo Gammino.
Symbols
The coat of arms and the banner of Valverde were officially recognized in 1984. The coat of arms, on a blue background, depicts the Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna of Valverde. The banner is also of an intense blue.
Monuments and places of interest
The Sanctuary of Mary Most Holy of Valverde is the most important monument in the city and is located in the center. The hermitage of Sant'Anna, although belonging to the territory of Aci Catena, also has a strong impact on the life of Valverde. In the municipal territory, there are also remains of a primitive village near the contrada Casal Rosato.
Society
The population of Valverde is in constant demographic evolution, with an increase of 7.8% in the last ten years. Tourism is an important source of income for the commune.
Administration
Valverde is part of agricultural region no. 7 (Coastal hills of Acireale). Since being established as an autonomous commune in 1951, Valverde has had a series of mayors, including Vincenzo Gammino and Alfredo Spinnato.
We hope that this summary has inspired you to visit the beautiful city of Valverde! With its history, places of interest, and hospitality of its inhabitants, you definitely won't regret it!
