Sicily boasts an incredible rich history, consisting of people who have followed one another over the millennia, ending up sculpting the territory in which they lived. Among the medieval villages of Northern Sicily, Castelbuono is one of the most fascinating..
It stands 45 minutes by car from Campofelice di Roccella and it is located at the foot of Monte Milocco, inside the Madonie Park. Its history dates back to the Middle Age, when Ventimiglia’s noble family built a castle that could enclose their court, around which a town has developed. The Castle thus became their official residence, as well as a cultural center that soon began to attract visitors, artists and devotees from all over. To attract them, not only the lively cultural climate of the court, but also the presence of the Sacred Skull of Saint Anne, kept on the high altar of the Palatine Chapel of St. Anne. Commissioned by the Ventimiglia family in 1600, the Chapel features stucco decorations on a golden background, angels and religious allegories.
Today, to be visited, there is also the Civic Museum, in which it is possible to admire the artefacts realized in honor of the cult of St. Anne, the historical-architectural evolution of the urban fabric of the country, a permanent art gallery inherent in the modern age and the various exhibitions that take place throughout the year. But one of the reasons that today push tourists from all over the world to spend a weekend in Castelbuono, is the annual presence of Ypsigrock, the indie-alternative rock music festival that attracts many young people from all over Italy to experience the emotion of live music.
Do not forget the gastronomic offer of the place. Who choose to visit Castelbuono, in the meantime, can decide to stop the tour in order to taste the typical cousine. The Castelbuono’s tipical dishes, like many of the others area in Sicily and South Italy, represent the highest expression of mediterranean diet. The quality of the ingredients and the spicy scents are the masters, oils, almonds, raisins, lemon, pistachio, parsley and many other ingredients give the traditional dishes an unmistakable flavor.