Vizzini is an ancient village rich in history and wonderful holy places such as its Mother Church.
Vizzini is considered as one of the oldest city in Sicily. It was founded in the Bronze Age and later the village was conquered by Greek, Romans and Byzantine. Thanks to its location the village was named “Castello” (Castle) in the Middle Age and was used as an important stronghold. It was ruled by the important aristocratic families Chiaramonte and Alagona.
The most important monuments of the village are the Church of Sant’Agata which has been created by French with three naves and wonderful stuccos. The church includes impressive paintings dating back to the 17th century and a precious Baroque wooden inlaid organ pipe; the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista, built on the ruins of two pagan temples dedicated to Minerva and Bacchus, was destroyed by the 1693 earthquake and then renovated. It has one nave with a single aisle and a highly decorated Gothic portal; Church of Santa Lucia and Convento SS Annunziata, erected in 1225 by S.Antonio di Padova. After the 1639 earthquake, the monk rebuilt the convent and the church enriching it with impressive Baroque decorations and precious frescos; the Mother Church has a wonderful façade whit a late Baroque style and two orders of architecture: the first is characterized by Corinthian capitals and some small decorated windows with lovely and artistic frames. The second order displays two highly decorated spirals and has a large window with four columns with capitals and a arcs. The interior includes precious works of art such as decorated chapels, ancient wooden statues, paintings of famous Sicilian painters and inlaid marble altars.
People live here:
6.330
Attractions:
Sagra della Ricotta e dei Formaggi, Cheese Festival Festa di Maria SS Dell’Odigitria, it is an holy celebration dedicated to the patron saint of the village. Live Nativity (25-27/12)
How to get there:
By Car:
From Catania,
Get on S.S.194 to Ragusa, exit Vizzini
From Messina
Get on A18 to Catania and continue to Ragusa and take S.S.194; exit Vizzini.
From Palermo
Get on A19 to Catania; take S.S. 194, exit Vizzini.
From Ragusa
Get on S.S.194 to Catania, exit Vizzini.
From Siracusa
Get on S.S.115 Siracusa – Catania, exit to Vizzini
From Trapani
Get on A29 Trapani – Palermo continue on S.S. 194, exit Vizzini.
Accommodations:
Country House A Cunziria
http://www.agriturismocunziria.com
Hotel Castello Camemi 3*
B&B Il Paesino
Country House Valle di Chiaramonte
Cda Piano Zacchi Pantanelli, 97012 Chiaramonte Gulfi, Italia
Terre Iblee Resort
http://www.terreibleeresort.com/site/
Hotel Iblea 3*
C/da Coffa snc, 97013 Chiaramonte Gulfi, Sicilia, Italia
Restaurants:
A Cunziria
http://www.agriturismocunziria.com
La Giara
Contrada Stazione Vizzini-Licodia, Vizzini CT, Italy
Ph. +39 0933 965743
The Amoroso Sisters
Viale Margherita, 80, 95049 Vizzini CT, Italy
Mobile: +39 338 480 3201
La Ruota