Villalba
Welcome to Villalba, amidst hills and history
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Villalba, a small town in Sicily located in the free municipal consortium of Caltanissetta. When talking about Villalba, one cannot fail to mention the natural beauty of the municipal territory. The hills that characterize it are covered with olive groves and vineyards that offer breathtaking panoramic views. But Villalba is not only a natural beauty, but also a town steeped in history! In this summary, I will tell you about the origin of the name Villalba, its history, and the municipal territory.
Geography
Villalba is located on the slopes of Mount Pirtusiddu, in the valley of the Torto River, and extends to the northern part of the former province of Caltanissetta, together with the neighboring town of Vallelunga Pratameno. The town is mainly hilly, with an irregular altimetric profile. For services not available on site, the towns of Mussomeli and Caltanissetta are the reference points for the community.
Origin of the name
The toponym Villalba has its origins in the former fief of Miccichè and was given by its founder, don Nicolò Palmieri. The name Villalba is actually a dedication that don Nicolò made to the city of Vilalba Galizia (Spain), from which his ancestors and those of his wife came. According to other sources, the name refers to the white color of the houses in the town.
History
From antiquity to the fief of Miccichè
The territory of Villalba has been inhabited since Roman times, as evidenced by some archaeological finds from the 19th century. During the Islamic period of Sicily, what was supposed to be an agricultural colony grew and became a hamlet called Miccichè. In the 16th century, the fief of Micciché was included, together with seven others, in the barony of Villanuova.
The Palmieri of Miccichè
In 1751, the prince of Villanuova sold the fief of Micciché to don Nicolò Palmieri of Caltanissetta. He populated the fiefdom and named the emerging town Villalba, which already had 800 inhabitants in 1785. Nicolò's son, Placido, completed the construction of Villalba and in 1813 obtained the title of marquis.
Conclusion
So, dear friends, if you are looking for a place where you can admire nature, immerse yourself in Sicilian history and culture, Villalba is the right place! Do not miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful town, where peace and tranquility reign.
