Petralia Soprana, “Borgo dei Borghi” in 2018

Perched at 1,147 meters above sea level, Petralia Soprana dominates the upper Imera Valley, set against the majestic backdrop of the Madonie Park. Considered one of the highest and most enchanting villages in Sicily, it was awarded the title of “Borgo dei Borghi” in 2018.

Petralia Soprana, founded by the Sicani under the name Petra, was later called Batraliah by the Arabs and Petra Heliae by the Normans, in honor of the prophet Elijah. The Sicani settled on the Madonie plateau in the 17th century BC, living in natural caves. In the 3rd century BC, Petra sided with Rome during the First Punic War and became famous for its production of grain and wine, praised even by Cicero. Under the Arabs (9th century), it became a military center and a place of coexistence between Muslims and Greek Christians. Roger of Hauteville conquered it in 1061, transforming the mosque into a Christian church. With Roger II, Petralia became a market and fortress, later passing to the Ventimiglia family in 1258. Until 1811, it belonged to noble families such as the Centelles, Moncada, and Borgia Alvarez de Toledo.

What to see in Petralia Soprana

A visit to Petralia Soprana begins with its three scenic viewpoints: Loreto (u castru), overlooking Mount Etna, Enna, Caltanissetta, and the Imera Valley; the Carmine viewpoint, with a panorama toward Palermo; and the one in Piazza Duomo, facing east toward Gangi.

At the highest point of the village lies Piazza Loreto, with the striking Church of Santa Maria di Loreto, rebuilt in late Baroque style with a Greek-cross plan. Inside are a splendid marble altarpiece by Giandomenico Gagini, wooden statues of Saints Cosmas and Damian, and two saints sculpted by Filippo Quattrocchi.

Continuing on, one reaches Piazza San Michele, with its circular fountain and 17th-century church, and then Piazza del Popolo, where the neo-Gothic town hall, the former Carmelite convent, Palazzo Pottino of the Marquises of Eschifaldo with 19th-century frescoes, and another Palazzo Pottino with decorated halls stand.

In front of the town hall is the Collegio Church, in Barocchetto-monastic style, and Piazza Frate Umile, dedicated to the Capuchin sculptor famous for his wooden crucifixes. Nearby is Piazza Ruggero VII with the Oratory of the Souls in Purgatory, and Piazza Fontana dei Quattro Cannoli with its historic Baroque fountain.

In Piazza Duomo rises the Mother Church, with two bell towers and a three-nave interior. Here is preserved the first crucifix by Frate Umile (1623), an extraordinary example of devotional realism.

The tour continues to the Church of the Salvatore, the only one with an elliptical plan in the Madonie, possibly a former Norman mosque.

Other highlights include the Church of San Teodoro, Porta Seriv, the Convent of the Reformed Friars Minor in Churrigueresque style, Villa Sgadari, the Raffo rock-salt mine, the Church of the Trinity, and numerous historic palaces, including Pottino, Vigneri, and Sabatini-Salvia.

Events, culture, and traditions

Petralia Soprana celebrates its traditions with events throughout the year. During Carnival, festivities include A Carnilivarata, while on Holy Saturday the evocative Caduta della Tela takes place in the Mother Church. At Easter, the ritual of U’ncuontru enlivens the streets with the meeting of the Risen Christ and the Virgin Mary. From June 25 to 29, the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul is celebrated, followed on August 6 by the Feast of the Holy Savior.

In August, the village hosts the Wheat Festival in Pianello, the Baronial Wedding with a historical parade, the Lentil Festival in Pellizzara, and the Ballo della Cordella, an ancient peasant dance revived by the folk group Gurafo. Also in August, the International Biennial of Rock-Salt Sculpture, together with the Salt Festival, animates the town and the Raffo district. In December, A Nuvena brings traditional music to alleys and hamlets.

What to see around Petralia Soprana

Petralia Soprana is also the ideal starting point to explore the natural and cultural treasures of the Madonie.

Just a few minutes away lies Petralia Sottana, with its Civic Museum and the Madonie Geological Garden. Trekking enthusiasts can venture along the trails of the Madonie Park, a UNESCO heritage site.

Not far away, Gangi—another medieval gem—and Castelbuono, with the Ventimiglia Castle and its famous manna, are well worth a visit.

Looking for a serene village where you can breathe in the true Sicilian atmosphere? You’ve found the right place!

Photo credits: Municipality of Petralia Soprana – Author: Giulio Giallombardo