Holiday apartment in Montelepre: history, festivals and distinctive local views

Holiday apartment in Montelepre: tower, town center and tradition

Montelepre combines architectural history, religious traditions, landscape views and established annual events. The Ventimiglia Tower was built between 1433 and 1435 by the Archbishop of Monreale, Giovanni Ventimiglia, on the basis of a concession from King Alfonso V D'Aragona. The building is constructed in the Norman style and is typologically equated with the typical French “donjon roman”. This gives you a tangible insight into historical architectural forms and the history of the town.

Torre Ventimiglia and the historic center

The Museo Civico di Montelepre is located in the historic Torre Ventimiglia. Its terrace offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Castellammare. In the historic center stands the Church of Maria SS del Rosario, which is also known as Chiesa Madre. The museum and tower are together in Torre Ventimiglia, while the Chiesa Madre stands in the historic center.

Churches, hills and archaeological references

The Chiesa SS. Salvatore di Sagana has origins dating back to the 17th century. The church was built on a hill overlooking the valley and the surrounding landscape. On the opposite side of the mountain, Monte d'Oro is associated with a necropolis called “Handle of Quarara”. The hillside location of the church and the opposite side of Monte d'Oro thus establish two distinct spatial references.

Local festivals featuring pastries and regional products

Several events take place throughout the year in Montelepre. The Sagra della Sfincia is a traditional event held on January 6. It is dedicated to a local, e-shaped pastry made from water and flour, refined with sugar, honey and cinnamon. The Sagra dei Prodotti De.Co. takes place on December 30 and combines local cuisine with a market for local products, songs and folk dances. The Sfincia focuses on the e-shaped pastry, while the De.Co. festival combines a market, songs and folk dances with local cuisine. The Sagra della Vastedda is a festival scheduled for December 7 in Montelepre.

Processions and carnival in Montelepre

U Matrimoniu is a carnival event held on Carnival Sunday in February. As a parade, it depicts a grotesque wedding with a bride, groom and guests. The Processione dei Misteri leads from the Chiesa Madre through the streets of Montelepre's historic center. It features eighty tableaux depicting significant events from the Old and New Testaments. The Festa del Santissimo Salvatore takes place every year on August 6 at the Chiesa SS. Salvatore di Sagana. U Matrimoniu and the Processione dei Misteri therefore differ in form: one parade depicts a grotesque wedding, while the other proceeds through the historic center and presents tableaux from the Old and New Testaments.

You can also discover further destinations at San Giuseppe Jato, Ficarazzi, San Mauro Castelverde, Piana Degli Albanesi, Gratteri, Bisacquino, Palazzo Adriano and Isola Delle Femmine.

To the main travel overview: Palermo.