CONTESSA
ENTELLINA
Contessa
Entellina is a charming town on the northern slopes of the Genuardo
Mount, in the Palermo province. It was founded by a community of
Greek-Albanians in the 14th century, near an ancient hamlet called
Contessa. The second part of its name was added in the late-1800s
deriving from the ancient Elymian town of Entella destroyed in the
early 1200s by Frederick II.
The
visit of the town can begin with the 1700’s Chiesa Madre dedicated
to Saint Nicholas of Mira, featuring nave and aisles with side-chapels
and dedicated to the Greek catholic rite. The Chiesa di Maria Santissima
Immacolata e San Rocco of 1700’s origin, is also used by catholics
of greek rite. The Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie delle Favare,
dating from the 16th century, is used by Roman catholics.
In
the city vicinity are other sites of particular interest, notably
the Rocca Entella and the ruins of the Castello di Calatamauro.
The Former is a rocky peak with a beautiful view over the valley
of the Belice’s left stretch. Archaeological relics have been
excavated at the site, earlier erroneously related to the Elymian
city of Entella. The Castello was probably built in the Byzantine
age and later conquered by Arabs and Aragonese. Today, it is reduced
to a poorest condition and left abandoned.
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