Sciacca
An ancient fishing town surrounded by the sparkling mediterranean sea, know all over the world for its tourist attractions and natural thermal springs. The town is located between the archaeological sites of Selinunte and Agrigento.
This position makes it the ideal destination for those who want to visit Sicily and discover its artistic and cultural wonders. Its ancient origins are confused with the legends of ancient Greece where its already known for the properties of its thermal waters.
Centuries of history has made Sciacca one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily where narrow streets that climb up to an ancient castle do not cease to fascinate visitors who come from all over the world and leave enamored by its beauty and simplicity.
Sites
You must first visit the main square, Piazza Scandaliato, where you will enjoy a most beautiful and breathtaking view of the harbor. Piazza Scandaliato is considered to be the heart of the town.
For most of the summer and part of the winter they put up a stage where all the demonstrations, concerts, festivals and recitals are held. Not far from the square you will find the Maria S.S. church also know as the mother church. The cathedral is of Norman style and dates back to the XII century. Inside the church there are three large naves, Ionic columns and a facade decorated with three statues by Gangi.
Other places of interest in addition to the religious buildings such as the church of Saint Dominick, the church of Carmine and the church of Saint Mary of the Giummare are the ancient doors of Norman Arabic origin and the castle of Count Luna located in the highest part of the town.
The traditions
Carnival
The Carnival of Sciacca is one of the most ancient carnivals of Italy and still today one of the most important and representative of Sicily. Every year on Fat Thursday the keys of the town are handed to Peppe Nappa, the mask of Sciacca.
From that moment the festivities begin and continues until Fat Tuesday when they set fire to the float of Peppe Nappa thus ending Carnival. The floats are made by some of the best craftsmen of the town. There is a competition for the best float, best coreography, costumes and allegory.
The Procession of the Madonna del Soccorso
The most important religious event in the city of Sciacca is the procession of the Madonna del Soccorso which takes place every year on February 2 and August 15.
The Madonna is wrapped in a shrine dating back to the seventeenth century and is adorned with jewels donated by the faithful. The celebrated event is that of the miracle that took place in 1626, when Our Lady freed the city from the plague. It was in fact during the procession of February 2 that citizens arrived near what is now via Licata, where a cloud of smoke was seen emanating from the base of the statue of the Madonna. It was at that very moment that everyone miraculously recovered from the plague.
Tradition has it that the Madonna be carried by a group of barefoot sailors through the streets of the historic center of town.
Pottery
Sciacca is also synonymous with artistic pottery and the production of majolica known all over the world for its refined elegance. The production of pottery has ancient origins. In the Middle Ages the seaside village was already known for the excellence of its ceramic artifacts evidenced by the findings in other towns of Sicily where the majolica of Sciacca adorned the noble palaces.
Today walking through the streets of the historic center you can admire the many artisan shops that exhibit their productions, each of them unique in style, crowded by many tourists eager to take home a small and precious piece of Sicily.