Petralia Sottana is around the Norman castle walls. XIV century papers already described it as Petralia Inferior to distinguish it from Petralia Superior (Soprana).
The Church of Saint Maria della Fontana is to be found in Corso Pietro Agliata. It boasts a Catalan-Gothic porch and houses prized statues of the Gagini school. Further along is the former Monastery of the Brothers Minori, which is now a cultural centre, and the much admired baroque Church of Saint Francis with its XVII century frescos, valued paintings and sculptures, including the carved pulpit which is decorated with gold-leaf.
The XVII/XVIII century mother church, which is dedicated to the Assumption of the Madonna and has a XIII century Catalan-Gothic porch, looks over Piazza Duomo. Passing below the bell-tower of the mother church along Via Duomo one reaches the Church of the Trinity with its XV century porch on the front elevation.
On the first Sunday after "Ferragosto" Petralia Sottana plays host to the ballet pantomime of the Cordella with its traditional costume wedding procession.
Petralia Soprana is the highest town in the Province of Palermo, situated 1147 metres above sea level. Possibly of Greek or Sikan origin, the town is certainly recorded as Petra from the third century A.D. It was an impregnable fortress in the Arab period when it was occupied by Christians and Muslims side by side. Under the Normans it retained its strategic ro1e and adopted its modern name of Petralia.The beginning of the historic town is marked by the arch of the Seri Gate and the remains of the ancient defensive walls.
On Corso Umberto there is the neogothic former Carmelite Monastery which now serves as the Town Hall. The mother church of the Apostles Peter and Paul, situated in Piazza Duomo, was rebuilt in XIV century and altered during the 1700s. It has a baroque portico with paired columns below which is a Catalan-Gothic porch which dates from 1400. It contains statues by Antonello Gagini and Giorgio da Milano and a crucifix by Brother Umile of Petralia. Also worth a visit is the XVI Church of Saint Salvatore with its mighty dome and, inside, an icon of the Gagini school from the 1400s. Across Piazza San Michele is the Church of Saint Maria di Loreto which, in addition to several prized sculptures, has a fascinating sacresty with frescoed ceiling and walls. Petralia is a tourist attraction and holiday location.
Its position high on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Madonie allows it to dominate the countryside around and this location and the town's cultural wealth make the pleasure of a visit almost a duty to oneself. |
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