Holiday apartment in Polizzi Generosa: Nature, culture and festivals

Polizzi Generosa between the Madonie and village life

The municipality of Polizzi Generosa lies within the Parco delle Madonie, established in 1989 and an area of exceptional scientific, naturalistic and geological value. Numerous nature trails can be explored here on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. In the Vallone Madonna degli Angeli near Polizzi Generosa, 25 specimens of Abies nebrodensis have also been preserved in their original habitat.

Nature trails for active holidays

The Sentiero dell’aquila reale is an easy trail through the meadows of Piano Farina to the Fosso Canna canyon, which is designated as a nesting site. The Sentiero Abies nebrodensis leads through mixed woodland to the Anfiteatro di Quacella. Along the route, the endemic plants of the Madonie take centre stage; the population of Abies nebrodensis in protected areas of Polizzi Generosa is another important natural feature.

Museums spanning archaeology and nature

The Civico Museo Archeologico Amedeo Tullio preserves finds from the 2nd to the 4th century BC, discovered in a Hellenistic necropolis above Polizzi Generosa. The exhibits include terracotta figurines, bronze objects, terracotta lamps and ceramic amphorae in the style of Magna Graecia. The Museo Etnoantropologico houses a permanent collection of historic objects, tools and everyday items, presented through reconstructed work and living areas. At the MAN_Museo Abiens Nebrodensis, an immersive sensory exhibition awaits you across five themed areas.

A visit to the Palazzo della Cultura includes part of the historic Biblioteca Duca Lancia di Brolo, with 40,000 volumes including old incunabula, cinquecentine, seicentine and numerous manuscripts. At the Casa Fondazione Giuseppe Antonio Borgese, you can explore an archive containing several editions of his works, first editions in various languages, manuscripts, correspondence, rare postcards and photographs. The Casa Fondazione Giuseppe Antonio Borgese also stands on the ruins of a 15th-century Dominican monastery.

Churches, palaces and historic streets

The Chiesa Madre dates back to the Norman period and is the town’s main church. The Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie, also known as Badia Nuova, was built in 1499 and completely remodelled in the 18th century. It houses Sicily’s largest sacred custodia, created in the 17th century by Pietro Bencivinni from gilded wood in the style of Spanish altarpieces. The Chiesa del Santo Spirito has a Gothic stone portal visible from the square of the same name. Only the ruins are freely accessible; today, they house an unusual playground.

The Palazzo Gagliardo was built in the 16th century by the La Farina family and preserves the Mannerist style typical of eastern Sicily. On Via Carlo V, it has a Mannerist portal with carved masks and floral or animal motifs. The Palazzo Carpinello has a monumental staircase from Via Garibaldi, decorated with majolica vases depicting figures from the history of Polizzi. The Chiesa di San Gandolfo la Povera and the Collegio di Maria were built in 1622 to house the Brotherhood of San Gandolfo and contain a painting by Giuseppe Salerno from 1620 depicting the patronage of Saint Gandolfo.

A tour through the historic centre leads to preserved corners, squares, lanes and neighbourhoods of the town.

Festivals, processions and local cuisine

The Sagra delle nocciole takes place in the second half of August and recreates scenes from rural and village life. The Festa della Neve takes place every year on the third Sunday in July and includes a climb to the high peaks of the Madonie. The Festa del Santissimo Crocifisso is celebrated every year in Polizzi Generosa from 1 May to 4 May and includes processions through the paved streets. The Festa di San Gandolfo takes place every year on the third Sunday in September and includes traditional music, concerts and fireworks. On the occasion of these celebrations, the complete “Sulle tracce di San Gandolfo” circuit can be undertaken on the third weekend in September.

The Festa di Santa Lucia takes place in Polizzi Generosa on 12 and 13 December. On the eve, Cuccìa is traditionally prepared, a soup made from wheat, chickpeas and dried Badda beans, which are typical of the Polizzi area. The “Delizie nobiliari” experience combines a palace tour with a tasting of local foods.

Ceramics in Polizzi Generosa

Polizzi Generosa is considered the oldest ceramics production centre in the Madonie. A former brickworks was converted into an artistic ceramics workshop where young female decorators work. Visits for school classes and groups are available daily on request and subject to availability.

Further destinations: Geraci Siculo, Malpasso, Finale, Castelbuono, Alia, Gibilmanna, Balestrate and Altavilla Milicia.

To the main travel overview: Palermo.