Gangi, the Stone Village Founded by the Greeks

The village of Gangi, founded by the Cretans in 1200 B.C., is part of the circuit of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” for Sicily.

Its history is intertwined with the myth of Minos, who was searching for Daedalus and was killed during his journey.

From there, his troops were forced to remain in Sicily, where they later founded Heraclea Minoa and Engyon, which eventually became Gangi.

What to See in Gangi

The stone village of Gangi lies in the heart of the Madonie mountains, with Mount Etna as its backdrop.

The historic center of the village is home to churches, noble palaces, and medieval views.

Among the most important churches are the Church of San Paolo and the 17th-century Mother Church, which houses The Last Judgment by Giuseppe Salerno.

Noteworthy in the upper town is the Ventimiglia Tower. Along Corso Umberto I, you can admire Palazzo Mocciaro and Palazzo Bongiorno, richly frescoed. The Church of Madonna della Catena preserves Gaginian works and wooden sculptures by Quattrocchi. On Corso Fedele Vitale, you’ll find historic workshops, the Church of San Cataldo, and noble palaces. The Ventimiglia Castle dominates the town. In the lower part, the Church of the Savior houses the Crucifix by Fra’ Umile, while the Church of Santa Maria di Gesù preserves sculptures by Quattrocchi, including The Annunciation, a masterpiece of intense expressiveness.

Events, Culture, and Traditions

In Gangi, Carnival is enlivened by the Cravaccata, with allegorical floats and masked riders on horseback. Palm Sunday and Holy Week feature baroque processions, led by the rhythm of the tamburinara, culminating in front of the Mother Church with 24 drums playing in unison. On Pentecost Monday, the Feast of the Holy Spirit is celebrated with 35 wooden statues carried on shoulders.

In summer, the Feast of the Burgisi (first Sunday of August) and the Sagra della Spiga (second Sunday) bring the village to life. In October, the biennial reenactment Living in Assisi recreates the life of Saint Francis. At Christmas, a living nativity scene, bell concerts, and markets warm the streets.

What to See Around Gangi

Just a few kilometers south are the villages of Petralia Soprana and Petralia Sottana, small medieval gems rich in churches and panoramic views.

Continuing on, the Madonie Park offers trails through forests and mountain peaks, home to rare species and spectacular landscapes.

Not far away lies Castelbuono, with the Ventimiglia Castle and its famous manna.

Towards the coast, Cefalù offers a magnificent Norman cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and sandy beaches.

Nearby, the villages of Polizzi Generosa and Geraci Siculo preserve timeless atmospheres and Norman heritage, perfect for an itinerary combining nature and history.

Now all that’s left is to set off for the wonderful stone village of Gangi.

Cover photo credits: Circumnavigation