Buccheri, the pearl of the Monti Iblei

In the heart of the Monti Iblei, Buccheri is a fascinating village that preserves millennia of history, traditions, and charm. The origin of its name remains uncertain: it may derive from the Arabic بقرة (baqara), meaning “cow,” alluding to a pastureland; or from the Sicilian word vucceri (“butcher”), from the Old French bouchier. There are also hypotheses linked to Arab families or to Greek roots, such as the combination of βοῦς (boûs) and Ἥρα (Hḗrā), recalling the sacred cows of the goddess Hera.

The history of Buccheri is truly ancient: shepherds’ huts, myths such as that of Daphnis, and archaeological evidence attest to human presence since remote times. Located on the slopes of Mount Lauro (987 m a.s.l.), the village witnessed the succession of Siculi, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans, the latter responsible for the medieval castle around which the first settlement arose. Walking today through its alleys, among churches, ancient sanctuaries, and the evocative neviere (snow pits), Buccheri tells a rich and fascinating past.

The treasures of the village

Buccheri offers an itinerary full of history, art, and spirituality. On Colle Terreo stand the remains of the Norman castle, the original nucleus of the village. Among the churches, the one dedicated to Saint Anthony Abbot stands out, accessible via a scenic staircase built in 1911, which houses paintings by G. Borremans from 1728. Along Via Vittorio Emanuele rises the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, with the marble statue by Antonello Gagini (1508), while on Via Ignazio Barberi one finds the Mother Church, with a wooden crucifix from the 16th century and works dedicated to Saint Michael and Saint Ambrose.

In Piazza Roma, the 17th-century Fountain of the Four Spouts, made of lava stone, has been gushing since 1585. A little further on, on Mount Calvario, the Church of the Crucifix watches over the village and recalls the rites of Holy Week. In the nearby woods lie a snow pit and a monumental centuries-old ash tree. To the west stands the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, with Baroque stuccoes and historic altars.

Eight kilometers away, the Church of Saint Andrew, founded by Frederick II in 1225, testifies to the presence of the Teutonic Knights in their anti-Saracen role. Finally, the Cave of Saint Nicholas, an ancient frescoed rock church, and the Gole della Stretta, a natural and archaeological site, complete the heritage of the territory.

Events in Buccheri

Buccheri is a village that lives all year round with events and traditions. In August, the MedFest and the Festival of Medieval Drums transform the streets into a stage of historical reenactments, performances, and medieval gastronomy. In October, Buccheri Best Culinary Destination celebrates nature and local flavors with excursions, trekking, and tastings. In December, the magic of Christmas comes alive with life-size nativity scenes, markets, and artistic lights. Easter is marked by U Passiu Santu, an evocative living Way of the Cross. In May, the Sentieri di Maggio invite visitors to explore nature, while the Buccherese Summer enlivens squares and gardens with music, theater, and gatherings.

Exploring the surroundings

The surroundings of Buccheri are rich in natural and historical charm. Just a few kilometers away stretch the Gole della Stretta, a canyon carved by the San Leonardo River, an ideal destination for excursions and climbing. On Mount Lauro, at almost 1,000 meters, breathtaking views open up, along with the ancient neviere, testimony to the agro-pastoral civilization of the Iblei. Not to be missed is the evocative Church of Saint Andrew, founded by Frederick II in 1225, one of the most precious examples of Swabian architecture in Sicily. Walks through woods, archaeological sites, and rock-hewn churches complete an itinerary that unites nature, myth, and spirituality.

Cover photo credits Fausto Riolo