Mussomeli
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 23 October 2023
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The hill town of Mussomeli is an official comune situated within the Province of Caltanissetta, a distance of 96 kilometres south east of Palermo, the regional capital of Sicily.
Standing at an elevation of 650 metres above sea level its population is just over 10,000. Occupying an area of 161 km² of rugged hills, its most famous sight is the Castello Manfredonico. |
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Mussomeli's fame reached worldwide proportions in 2021 when it became the latest Sicilian town to offer homes for as little as €1, a scheme designed to breathe new life into the struggling local economy and to boost the dwindling population.
On a personal note, Mussomeli has been the source of a surprising discovery; in putting together the Italy Review website I've travelled to every corner of the country, seeking out interesting little villages such as this one in the Sicilian hills. The main reason for my visit to Mussomeli was to see the almost mystical Castello Manfredonico with its slightly quirky shape.
Being in such a remote location, the last thing I expected to find at the ticket office of the castle was someone from my own home town in the UK! It turns out that a large number of Mussomelesi have at one time or another emigrated to the UK but in particular to the county of Surrey, where I happen to be from. One of the main towns in Surrey is Woking and you really don't have to go too far when you're there to find someone from Mussomeli, such is the amount of Mussomelesi to have relocated there and in the surrounding area.
On a personal note, Mussomeli has been the source of a surprising discovery; in putting together the Italy Review website I've travelled to every corner of the country, seeking out interesting little villages such as this one in the Sicilian hills. The main reason for my visit to Mussomeli was to see the almost mystical Castello Manfredonico with its slightly quirky shape.
Being in such a remote location, the last thing I expected to find at the ticket office of the castle was someone from my own home town in the UK! It turns out that a large number of Mussomelesi have at one time or another emigrated to the UK but in particular to the county of Surrey, where I happen to be from. One of the main towns in Surrey is Woking and you really don't have to go too far when you're there to find someone from Mussomeli, such is the amount of Mussomelesi to have relocated there and in the surrounding area.
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Mussomeli is a charming town located in the province of Caltanissetta, in the central part of the Italian island of Sicily. Perched on a hilltop, it offers visitors a picturesque setting, rich history, and a mix of architectural styles.
The town's medieval castle, ancient buildings, and beautiful landscapes make it an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking an authentic Sicilian experience.
The town's medieval castle, ancient buildings, and beautiful landscapes make it an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking an authentic Sicilian experience.
History
Mussomeli's history dates back to ancient times when it was settled by the Sicels, an indigenous people of Sicily. Over the centuries, the town was influenced by various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. Each culture left its mark on the town's architecture and cultural heritage.
During the medieval period, Mussomeli became a feudal center, and its strategic location on a hilltop made it a stronghold during various historical conflicts. The town's historic centre, with its narrow streets and medieval buildings, reflects its past as a defensive settlement.
During the medieval period, Mussomeli became a feudal center, and its strategic location on a hilltop made it a stronghold during various historical conflicts. The town's historic centre, with its narrow streets and medieval buildings, reflects its past as a defensive settlement.
Highlights and nearby attractions
- Mussomeli Castle: The highlight of a visit to Mussomeli is the town's impressive medieval castle, known as the Castello Manfredonico. Built by the Normans in the 14th century, the castle is perched on a rocky spur and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can tour the castle and explore its towers, courtyards, and underground tunnels.
- Historic Centre: Mussomeli's historic centre is a charming maze of narrow streets, ancient buildings, and quiet squares. The town's architecture includes elements from different historical periods, providing a unique blend of styles.
- Rural Landscapes: Mussomeli is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards. The picturesque countryside offers opportunities for hiking and leisurely walks, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquility of rural Sicily.
- Local Cuisine: Mussomeli's location in the heart of Sicily means it is an excellent place to sample authentic Sicilian cuisine, including regional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Religious Sites: Mussomeli boasts several churches and religious buildings that showcase various architectural styles. Notable landmarks include the Chiesa Madre di San Nicolò and the Church of San Teodoro.
- Nearby Attractions: Mussomeli's central location allows for easy access to other attractions in Sicily. The ancient ruins of Agrigento, including the Valley of the Temples, and the town of Caltanissetta are within a reasonable driving distance.
Comune di Mussomeli
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Province: Caltanissetta
Region: Sicily Population: 10,059 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Size: 161 km² Elevation: 650 metres Highlights: Castello Manfredonico, homes for €1 Recommended accommodation: Sorge Palace |
Mussomeli Gallery
Close to Mussomeli
Mussomeli is situated in a fairly remote location, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of undulating hills in the Sicilian countryside. It's one of the most central towns in Sicily where the island region's Tyrrhenian Coast to the north is almost equidistant to the slightly closer Mediterranean coast to the south. In terms of villages in the area closest to Mussomeli, one which really catches the eye is Sutera; not only is it listed among the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages), but the countryside around it is exceptionally pretty and speckled by colourful wild flowers, especially so in the spring.
The closest city to Mussomeli is the provincial capital of Caltanissetta which has a famous cathedral. The cross-country drive of 42 kilometres takes around 55 minutes with many of the roads being bumpy in places; a good sturdy car is essential for this part of Sicily, not just for the bumps in the road but for some of the steep hills.
Although Caltanissetta is a tiny bit closer, the next city of Agrigento which is 45 kilometres away takes slightly less time to reach; around 45 minutes with much of that distance covered by a good, main road, the Strada Statale or SS189. Agrigento is an interesting city situated across a hill with an historic centre that gradually winds its way to the top of that hill where there's a magnificent cathedral.
By way of contrast, it only requires a short downhill walk away from the historic centre to arrive at a much more modern centre with some interesting architecture such as that of its train station. It is of course impossible to mention Agrigento without including the Valley of the Temples; a magnificent archaeological site listed by UNESCO and one of the main cultural visitor attractions in Sicily.
From Agrigento it's only a short distance to the southern coast where you reach the town of Porto Empedocle. From the port town you can take a ferry across to the Pelagie Islands, the most famous of which is Lampedusa with its award-winning beach: the Spiaggia dei Conigli.
You don't however have to take a ferry to find some great beaches close to Mussomeli; there are a few sandy beaches close to the town centre of Porto Empedocle but slightly further to the west of the town is the Scala dei Turchi, a complex of beautiful sandy beaches which is also one of the most fascinating natural sights in Sicily.
There are two international airports that can be considered useful for reaching Mussomeli; slightly the closer of the two is Palermo Airport which is 125 kilometres north west of Mussomeli, a journey which takes an hour and 55 minutes, or alternatively, Catania Airport which is 147 kilometres directly east of Mussomeli with a slightly longer journey time of two hours and 10 minutes.
