Gangi is a tiny village rich in history and cultural attractions, which is famous for its food festivals and historical commemorations.
Gangi was founded by Cretans in 1200 BC and named Minoa. After Romans conquered the area completely destroying the first settlement. Later Gangi was included in the Geraci shire and it was ruled by the countess Guerrera. The Ventimiglia family conquered the area including Geraci and Gangi in their proprieties in the second part of the 13th century.
The most important monuments of the village are:
Santuario dello Spirito Santo, built in the 18th century.
Palazzo Bongiorno, built in 1754 by the baron Francesco Benedetto;
The Ventimiglia’s tower, built in the first part of the 14th century, assigned to Malta Knights in 1530;
The Mother Church, dedicated to S. Nicolò di Bari, was built in 14th century with three naves. It includes the Fossa di Parrini, a crypt where are shielded some ministers tombs.
The Church of Madonna della Catena, one of the oldest church of Gangi, was built between the 14th and 15th century.
The Badia Church, built in the 14th century, has a marvellous vault enriched by impressive frescos.
The Castle, built in the 14th century by Francesco I Ventimiglia on the top of the Mount Marone;
The Church of the S.S.Trinità, built in 1910;
The Palazzo Sgadari was built in the 19th century;
The Church of San Cataldo, built in the first part of the 14th century;
The Saracen tower, it is a medieval watch tower;
The Sacro Calvario, built in 1826;
The Leone Fountain, created in 1931 in Piazza del Popolo;
The Communal Palace, raised in 1800.
People live here:
6.909
Typical Food:
“A Manciata di novi cosi” soup
U fasciddatu”a type of bread
The typical sweets “cucchia”, the “mastazzola”, the “mastacuttè”,
A cuddura patedda
I turrunetta, sweets made with almond and flour
L’istantanii pastry sweet
L’amaretti, sweet
Pasta delle “novi cosi”
It is famous for:
The painter Gianbecchina;
The historian Francesco Alaimo;
The artists Filippo Kersbel, Giuseppe Fedele Vitale;
The doctor Salvatore Milletarì;
The writer Felice Balsamello;
The painter Michelangelo Salvo;
The sculptors Filippo Quattrocchi; Andrea Bonanno;
Attractions:
Sagra della Spiga, food festival
“A Vanniata da Festa”, historical fest
“U Corteo du Zitu”, medieval festival
“A Zuccatina da Zita” traditional theatre performances
“Il corteo di Demetra” traditional festival
A Casazza, Storia di tutte le storie, Easther festivity
Carnevale di Gangi, Cravaccata, the carnival
“Festa dei Burgisi” holy celebration
Vivere in Assisi, cultural festival, www.vivereinassisi.it
Memorie e tradizioni nel “Borgo più bello d’Italia”, www.memorieetradizioni.it
How to get there:
By Car
From Palermo
Take A 19, exit Tremonzelli, Polizzi Generosa, Castellana Sicula, Petralia Sottana, Geraci Siculo.
From Catania
Take A 19, exit Mulinello, Leonforte, Sperlinga.
Da Catania o Palermo è possibile uscire a Irosa (dal quale dista circa 25 km), Blufi, Bivio Madonnuzza.
From Cefalù
Take S.S. 286, exit Castelbuono – Geraci Siculo.
From Messina
Take S.S. 113, exit San Mauro, Borrello basso, Borrello Alto, bivio Calabrò, bivio Comunello.
By Bus
Autolinee SAIS from Palermo, Catania and Cefalù.
SAIS – via P. Balsamo , 16 – 90100 Palermo – tel. 091 / 6166028.
Accommodations:
B&B Villa Viola 3*
http://www.villaviolasicilia.it/
B&B “Del corso” 3*
Corso Umberto I, 1, 90024 Gangi PA
Ph.+39 0921 689570
B&B Il Galletto
via Rocca Castello 13, 90024 Gangi, Sicilia, Italia
Mobile: +39 349 763 9538
Villa Raino Hotel 3*
Villa Portelle
Contrada Portelle Gangi, Sicilia, Italy
Mobile: +39 349 8799980 – +39 344 1036903;
Hotel Miramonti Hotel 1*
http://miramontihotel.jimdo.com/
Camporotondo Gangivecchio Holiday Flat
Contrada Camporotondo Gangi, Sicilia, Italy
Mobile: +39 3332896877 – +39 3288097008
Perla di Engio Hotel 4*
http://www.perladiengio.it/HPE/IT/Default.aspx
Country House Capuano
http://www.agriturismocapuano.com/
Country House Tenuta Castagna
http://www.tenutacastagna.com/it/
Country House San Pietro
Contrada San Pietro, Sicilly, Gangi Province of Palermo
Ph. +39 0921 689648
Restaurants:
Agriturismo San Pietro
Contrada San Pietro, Sicilly, Gangi Province of Palermo
Ph. 0921 689648;
Tenuta Castagna
http://www.tenutacastagna.com/it/
Agriturismo Capuano
http://www.agriturismocapuano.com/
Trattoria Sant’Anna
http://www.trattoriasantanna.it/
Antica Lanterna
Corso Umberto I, 36, Gangi PA
Mobile: 380 866 8686;
Ristorante divino
http://www.ristorantedivino.eu./
Ristorante Panorama
Discesa Ragioneria, Contrada Piano Magione, Gangi PA
Ph. 0921 502071
Ristorante Excalibur
http://www.ristorante-excalibur.com/
Beaches:
Castel di Tusa
Milianni