Mist moves quietly

The low swirling mist that gently rolls into the streets of Polizzi Generosa in certain months of the year adds to Polizzi’s otherworldliness. Its medieval, pale stone buildings are brushed in a soft grey and when it lifts the village returns to its lovely faded glory.

Festive sacred street life During sacred and cultural festivals and the evening passeggiata the streets of Polizzi teem with people: to pay their undying respects to the centuries old patron saint, martyred saints or otherworldly revered holy figures.

To stroll the evening passeggiata to see who is out and about, to stop kiss cheeks and chat, watch children play freely and teenagers roam close by, to have an aperitivo at one of the bars along the main Corso or just to lean on the railing of the belvedere to view the sunset.

Up in the mountains From Polizzi Generosa's main piazza, Piazza Santissima Trinita (which is in fact a perfect belvedere) some of the striking mountains of the Madonie National Park (Parco delle Madonie) can be enjoyed.  The mountains are so close; Polizzi sits on the doorstep of the Madonie.

Comprised of nearly 162 sq kilometres of towering mountains, valleys, walking tracks, deep forests, flora, fauna, spring water, wild food, and small stone villages the Madonie National Park is loved for walking, skiing, foraging, wild flowers, silence, stone villages and scenic winding roads.

  To return  Two years have passed since my last stay in Polizzi Generosa and I think of when I will be able to return. For nearly 18 years I have been returning yearly (bar one or two) to stay a while.

To go back is always a good thing.  To use the words of travel writer Peter Jon Lindberg, returning to the same place is 'soul affirming joy' .