Common of just under 2000 inhabitants located in the territory of Madonie Park, Geraci Siculo is a small urban treasure in the heart of the Sicilia. Its ancient name, "jerax”(Vulture), is of Greek origin and alludes to the birds of prey that inhabited the fortress of the city. Its history is very ancient, the first settlements date back to prehistory, but the city experienced its heyday in medieval era. Since 2019 the city has been included in the circuit of most beautiful villages in Italy and in the same year it also received the mark of Flowered municipality (issued by the association Asproflor) for the commitment to improve the quality of life of citizens, for the reuse of resources and for the care of green spaces. Finally he qualified at the third place to the edition Borgo dei Borghi 2021, dopo Tropea e baunei (in Sardinia).
Brief history of the city
As already mentioned, the origins of Geraci Siculo are very ancient. Archaeological finds that testify to the prehistoric settlements in the area are preserved at Archaeological Museum of Palermo and Minà Palumbo Museum of the neighbor Castelbuono. The first evidence of the city is found starting from840 AD during the Arab domination in Sicily. In the second half ofyear one thousand the County of Geraci dai Normans and passed under the control of the family Ventimiglia twigs 1252. The city lost its capital status in 1419, when John I Ventimiglia decided to transfer it to Castelbuono. Almost twenty years later, in 1436 the County of Geraci became Marquisate. In the following years Geraci Siculo has seen a long but inexorable decline, like many other cities of the Sicilian hinterland. Despite this, this small village has nevertheless maintained its ancient medieval charm.
What to see in Geraci Siculo
The ancient greatness of Geraci Siculo can already be seen from the many churches in the city (more than ten). Among these, the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, dating back to the mid-fourteenth century, the church of Santo Stefano, with its particular bell tower with colored ashlars and the church of Sant'Anna, palatine chapel built by Francis I Ventimiglia, which housed the skull of the saint. Another interesting structure of Geraci Siculo is the Drinker of the Holy Trinity, built at the behest of the Marquis Simone Ventimiglia. It is a drinking trough with two lateral fountains, surmounted by two small pyramids with a large central basin. In the center you can see the ancient coat of arms of the Ventimiglia family. Like every stronghold, Geraci also had its own castle (probably made in the Byzantine era). Over time it became a military fortress inaccessible to enemies during the period of the Ventimiglia, today only the ruins remain of this castle.
The most recent structure (2014) is the Jump of Ventimiglia. It is a glass and steel construction, to admire the view, located in the historic center of Geraci Siculo. Its name is linked to the history of the count Francis I Ventimiglia which in 1338, to escape the troops of Peter II of Sicily during the siege of Geraci, he threw himself into the cliff (where the structure stands today) with his horse.
The Cavalcade of the Shepherds and the Giostra dei Ventimiglia
Geraci is also tradition and events. In addition to the feast of the Most Holy Crucifix (May 3), of the patron saint St. Bartholomew (24 August) and the Virgin Mary Child (8 September), in the summer they also take place Ride of the Shepherds (In Carvaccata di Vistiamara) and the Joust of the Ventimiglias. The first takes place every 7 years on the third Sunday in July (the first dates back to 1643). It consists of a parade on horseback with traditional clothes through the streets of the town from the house of the cashier, the senior pastor, up to the mother church. It is a sign of the shepherds' gratitude and thanksgiving to God Joust of the Ventimiglias instead it takes place in the first week of August. It is a costume event, with medieval representations, chivalrous games and re-enactments linked to events of the Ventimiglia family.
Geraci Siculo is a small pearl in the Madonie to be discovered and experienced. There typical welcome of the Sicilian people, combined with that atmosphere from medieval village, make Geraci a unique country. The millenary history, the typical dishes (such as pittrina ca fasola, the local green bean), religious traditions and historical reinterpretations do the rest.
