The town was founded on 27 September 1499 by prince Antonio Alliata, with the viceroy's licence: the first to arrive were workmen from Salaparuta. The name comes from the franchises promised to whoever settled here — or, they say, from the surveyor who chose the spot, one Calcerano Viliafranca.
In May 2020 the people of Villafranca changed patron saint: Saint Eucarpius stepped into second place and the Madonna del Mirto took his, much loved here and celebrated in the first week of August. The town sits on the hill of San Calogero, at 380 metres, among the Ribera orange groves; the Alliata castle is sixteenth-century. There are 1,426 residents.
Arancina · Pasta alla Norma
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Next up: The Madonna del Mirto, patron since 2020 by a decision of the whole town, Monday 31 May
Nearest airport: Palermo Falcone-Borsellino, 68 km away
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📅 Every year, on 31 May, with the main feast in the first week of August
Villafranca Sicula celebrates the Madonna del Mirto on 31 May, but the main feast is held in the first week of August; since May 2020, by a decision shared by the people, the parish priest and the mayor, she has replaced Saint Eucarpius as main patron.
Saffron rice, ragù with peas and caciocavallo cheese inside a golden crust. Round and feminine in Palermo, pointed and called arancino in Catania: the quarrel is serious.
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The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
Outside Villafranca Sicula, but an easy day trip away.
