Discover the charm of the historic centre of Polizzi Generosa, a Sicilian village rich in history and culture.
The city has preserved its characteristics, corners, squares, alleys and neighbourhoods over the centuries.
Strolling through the historic centre means coming into contact with the past, with the history and mystery of these places that envelop this small, but precious, urban centre.
Start your itinerary from the charming Piazza Matteotti, the eastern entrance to the town, where you are greeted by the majestic Chiesa del Carmine, once the domain of the Dominicans and then the Carmelites until 1866. Admire its elegant square stone portal and bell tower adorned with pointed pinnacles. Continuing along Via Giovanni Borgese, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley below and reach Piazza Umberto I. Here, in Via Cardinale Mariano Rampolla, you will discover the lavish Palazzo Gagliardo, a perfect example of Mannerist architecture, with its sandstone portal and ashlar ornaments. Your exploration continues to the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie, also known as the "Badia Nuova", a late 15th-century masterpiece commissioned by the Signorino family. The church, with its adjoining Benedictine monastery, reveals significant architectural changes over the centuries. Don't miss the ancient monastery of Santa Margherita or 'Badia Vecchia', once the refuge of Benedictine nuns. This historic building, dating back to the 15th century, is a treasure trove of gilded stucco and neoclassical decoration. Continuing your journey, you will discover the Chiesa di San Nicolò De Franchis, one of the oldest in Polizzi Generosa, dating back to 1167. This church, originally a spiritual centre for the Latin community, holds priceless sacred art. Continue your historical walk to the Madonita Environmental Museum (M.A.M.), located in the ancient Palazzo Notarbartolo. Here you can appreciate a modern educational museum that celebrates the rich biodiversity of the Madonie. The tour is enhanced by a visit to the Chiesa di San Francesco and the Chiesa Madre, Santa Maria Assunta, where valuable works of art are preserved, including a Flemish triptych by Rogier Van der Weyden and other works by renowned artists. Finally, don't miss the Palazzo Comunale and the Civic Archaeological Museum, where you can immerse yourself in local history and archaeological discoveries. This itinerary in the historical centre of Polizzi Generosa is a fascinating journey through centuries of history, art and culture, a unique experience that tells of the richness of our Sicilian heritage.
