In 1338, a bloody battle between King Peter II of Sicily and Francesco I Ventimiglia marked the history of Geraci Siculo. Situated 70 kilometres southeast of Palermo, this town of 1,925 residents preserves a medieval layout and remembers its feudal rulers during the annual Giostra dei Ventimiglia, a traditional jousting tournament in period attire.
Recognised as one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia within the Madonie Park, the town relies on agriculture, livestock, and a bottling plant for local mountain mineral water. Cultural traditions remain strong, highlighted by the feast of the Crucifix and thanksgiving celebrations for Saint Bartholomew and Saint James.
Sfincione · Arancina · Pasta alla Norma
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Next up: Saint Bartholomew and Count Ventimiglia's leap, Tuesday 24 August
Nearest airport: Catania Fontanarossa, 92 km away
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📅 Every year, on 24 August
Geraci Siculo celebrates Saint Bartholomew on 24 August; in 1338, according to tradition, Count Francesco I Ventimiglia threw himself and his horse off a cliff in the town rather than fall to the royal troops besieging the castle.
Tall, soft bread dough, tomato, onion, anchovies, oregano and caciocavallo: sfincione is Palermo's focaccia, cut into squares.
Read more →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.
Read more →Straight-line distances from the town centre. Tap a point to open its page.
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
Outside Geraci Siculo, but an easy day trip away.
