Vizzini
Vizzini: A small Sicilian town with a long history
Vizzini is an Italian municipality located in the metropolitan city of Catania, Sicily. With a population of 5702 inhabitants, this town is a hidden gem that offers many interesting things to see and do. In this article, we will explore the physical geography, history, and curiosities of Vizzini.
Physical Geography
Territory
Vizzini's territory is located 586 meters above sea level and extends in the southeastern area of the Province of Catania, near the hilly plateau of the Monti Iblei. Nestled at the foot of Monte Lauro, the town delimits the provincial borders between the territories of Catania, Ragusa, and Siracusa. The city is part of the ancient Kingdom of Sicily (1734-1816) ## Administrative subdivision of Val di Noto.
Lake Dirillo
In the municipal territory of Vizzini, the Dirillo River originates, which, thanks to an artificial dam called Ragoleti, forms the basin of Lake Dirillo in the neighboring municipalities of Licodia and Monterosso Almo, called "A' Diga" by the Vizzinesi themselves. This lake is a spectacular tourist attraction, immersed in breathtaking green nature. Enjoying a day of sun at Lake Dirillo is an experience that deserves to be lived.
Cunziria
Another attraction worth visiting in Vizzini is the eighteenth-century village of Cunziria. This village is known to be the place where Giovanni Verga imagined the ending of the novella "Cavalleria Rusticana" with the duel between compare Turiddu and his rival compare Alfio.
History
Vizzini in antiquity
The presence of human settlements in Vizzini dates back to very ancient times, as attested by numerous findings dating back to the late Bronze Age and the presence of troglodytic caves. According to some historians, Vizzini would actually be the ancient "Bidi" mentioned by Thucydides, Cicero, and Gaius Pliny the Second. Thucydides, in particular, tells of a certain Phaeax sent to Sicily by the Athenians as an ambassador to procure allied support for the war they conducted against Syracuse in the fifth century BC. The fact that Vizzini responded to that appeal, together with the archaeological finds found in Greek times, confirms that the town already existed before the fifth century BC and that it had reached a development such as to attract the attention of the Athenian power.
The name "Vizzini"
The name "Vizzini" gradually formed, undergoing various phonological modifications due to influences brought about by the Greeks, Latins, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Spaniards, Austrians, French. Originally, the name was "Bidi," from the Greek "βῇ δίς" ("bé-dis," went twice) because, as the Carta affirms, the ancient river Achates (today Dirillo or Fiumegrande) flanked the hill from two sides, on whose summit the city was founded. Under the Arabs, the word underwent another transformation. In Arabic, the letters "d" and "z" are written with the same sign distinguished by a dot, later neglected, so "Bidini" became "Bizini" and then "Vizini," with a single zeta. The dialectal use followed in some Sicilian centers of doubling certain consonants eventually led the name of the town to become "Vizzini," with two zeta.
Vizzini in the Norman period
The description of the famous geographer Al-Idrisi, who describes it as "sits at the foot of a mountain, has fields for cultivation and good land" dates back to the Norman period.
Curiosities
Vizzini is a hidden treasure of Sicily, with many interesting things to explore. For example, the city is also known for hosting the "Agatino Aranio Museum," with its vast collection of minerals and crystals. In addition, the city is famous for its delicious typical products, such as "Pasta alla Norma," so don't forget to taste the local cuisine during your visit!
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a lesser-known travel destination full of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, Vizzini is definitely the right place for you. Come and discover all the treasures of this fascinating Sicilian municipality!
