Villafrati
Welcome to Villafrati: a brief introduction
Welcome to Villafrati, a picturesque Italian commune located in the metropolitan city of Palermo in Sicily. Here you can admire the beauty of an ancient village, once the residence of the historic Filangieri family. Villafrati is a place filled with history and culture, with numerous monuments and places of interest to visit.
The history of Villafrati
The origins of Villafrati date back to prehistoric times, however its growth as a populated center began in the 18th century thanks to the development of an existing estate. The granting of the "licentia populandi" by the Spanish crown, around 1602, favored the growth of the village which, after 50 years, had only 500 inhabitants and a parish.
However, the aristocratic family of the Filangieri decided to start the first significant buildings, with the construction of the Castello neighborhood, giving a strong impetus to the expansion of the commune. In the following century, Villafrati distinguished itself as a producer of gypsum thanks to the proliferation of the family activity.
In the twentieth century, the population underwent a significant reduction due to migratory flows, however in the seventies the country experienced a strong building expansion thanks to the remittances of the migrants who had decided to move to America, Switzerland and Northern Italy in the previous decades.
Symbols of Villafrati
The coat of arms and the flag of the Municipality of Villafrati were granted by decree of the President of the Republic in 2005. The flag of the municipality is a white cloth with a green border, with the emblem of the Sicilian branch of the Filangieri family in the center.
Monuments and places of interest
The original structure of Villafrati is still present in the historic center, with ancient buildings and checkerboard streets. Among the places of interest there is the palatial complex of the "Baglio", built for residential purposes by the Filangieri family and surrounded by courtyards and large ornate rooms. The main courtyard, with an oval plan, connects to the course, and the interiors are enriched by buildings dedicated to the service and a theater rich in history.
The "Porta dei Misteri" is an entrance to the Mother Church consisting of six bronze panels that tell religious events connected to the history of the country.
Many other buildings are waiting to be discovered, such as the Church of the SS. Annunziata, the Castle, and numerous other places of worship.
Conclusion
Villafrati is a charming country, where history blends with the beauty of the Sicilian territory and is made even more suggestive by the ancient Filangieri family. Come and discover this ancient village and immerse yourself in the culture and beauty that only Sicily can offer!
