Location.

Polizzi Generosa and The Madonie Mountains National Park

Polizzi Generosa sits on the doorstep of the remote and beautiful Madonie National Park, a UNESCO Geopark and the village is only 20 minutes from the A19 motorway for ease of access to many wonderful sites. The charming stone villages of the Madonie are close by and Polizzi is only 54 kms from the Tyrrhenian Sea, 68 kms from the medieval seaside village of Cefalu and 87 kms from Palermo.

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Polizzi Generoa is a noble, unhurried village of art and culture, quiet spaces in winter and festivity in the summer. It has a population of about 3,000 with winding paved streets, old Arab arches, noble palazzi, and numerous art filled churches are intriguing. 

Tradition abounds with art, architecture, vibrant festivals and slow authentic restaurants, bars and cafes with a strong cultural heart. 

The dramatic and unique Madonie National park set up in 1989 has forests of beech, oak and meadows of wildflowers in the spring: cyclamens; ginestra; sweet peas; and blackberries and blueberries in the summer. It has ski fields, walking paths and is dotted with many unique and small medieval stone villages: Petralia Soprana; and Sottana; Collesano; Castelbouno; Geraci; and Cefalu. With Palermo not far away and the A19 motorway close by it, Polizzi Generosa is a great base to venture further afield.

Map of Sicily with marked locations including Palermo, Cefalu, Messina, Trapani, Segesta, Agrigento, Piazza Armenia, Enna, Polizza Generosa, Mt Etna, Taormina, Siracusa, and aeroplane icons near Trapani, Palermo, and Taormina. The Sicily House logo is at the top center.

What’s in the village?

  • Several slow traditional restaurants

  • Numerous bars and cafes

  • Pastry shops and traditional bakeries

  • Delicatessens selling local produce

  • Supermarkets

  • Ice cream shops

  • Tourist information centre

  • Archaeological museum

  • Numerous churches with significant artworks

  • Summer concerts

  • Festivals

  • Architecture of historical significance

  • Pottery shop run by local artisan ceramist

A Renaissance triptych painting depicting the Madonna and Child in the center, with four saints or apostles surrounding them. The left panel shows a female saint holding a book and a sword, while the right panel shows a seated female saint holding a palm branch. The background features architectural elements and a landscape.
Colorful ceramic art sculptures arranged on a shelf, resembling pine cones or conical shapes, in shades of blue, green, and yellow.

What’s Nearby?

  • A scenic forest road shaded by tall green and dark pine trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

    Madonie National Park

    Enjoy skiing, hiking, restaurants, walking, old mills, flora and fauna, historic villages and more.
    20 minute Drive

  • Cefalu

    A picturesque seaside town with a golden beach, medieval streets, and a striking Norman cathedral overlooking the coast.
    68 kms

  • Ancient Greek temple on a hillside with dry grass and wildflowers in the foreground, and hills with sparse trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

    Segesta

    An archaeological gem, Segesta boasts a remarkably preserved ancient Greek temple set amidst rolling Sicilian hills.
    162 kms

  • View of a cityscape with buildings, trees, and a mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.

    Mt Etna

    Europe’s highest active volcano, Mount Etna offers dramatic landscapes, hiking trails, and unforgettable views from its slopes - an area of very good wines.
    181 kms

  • A black and white street scene with cars parked along the curb, a motorcycle with a woman in a skirt standing nearby, and a man on a scooter, with buildings and mountains in the background.

    Palermo

    A vibrant capital blending Norman, Arab, and Baroque influences, Palermo offers bustling markets, grand cathedrals, and a feast of Sicilian street food.
    87 kms

  • Cityscape with a domed church in the foreground and a volcano erupting in the background, partially framed by green leaves.

    Piazza Armerina

    Home to the stunning Villa Romana del Casale, this charming town boasts some of the best-preserved Roman mosaics in the world.
    92 kms

  • A coastal town with buildings along the shoreline, a clear blue sky, and calm ocean waters with a boat speedily passing in the distance.

    Siracusa

    Once a Greek city, Siracusa enchants with its ancient amphitheater, baroque architecture, and the atmospheric island of Ortigia.
    191 kms

  • Tropical landscape with palm trees, pine trees, and a view of the ocean and distant city.

    Taormina

    Perched above the Ionian Sea, Taormina delights with its medieval streets, panoramic views of Mt Etna, and ancient Greek theatre.
    195 kms

  • View of a cityscape with a domed building, a mountain in the background emitting smoke, and green leaves framing the scene.

    Agrigento

    Known for the Valley of the Temples, Agrigento is a captivating blend of ancient ruins and golden Sicilian landscapes.
    115 kms

  • View of a cityscape with a church dome in the foreground, mountains in the background, and a volcano emitting smoke in the distance, framed by green leaves.

    Catania

    A city at the foot of Mt Etna, Catania charms with its baroque piazzas, vibrant markets, and volcanic black-stone architecture.
    141 kms

Festivals & Events

The local festivals are vibrant, traditional, sacred and give a captivating insight into a noble village in a more remote part of Sicily.

A black and white photo of a crowd gathered around a statue of a person in religious robes on a city street.

SAN GANDOLFO FESTIVAL
The 3rd weekend in September

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A sacred and moving festival over 700 years old held yearly in the third weekend of September honouring the revered patron saint, San Gandolfo. Three days of tradition, music, fun, food, fireworks and veneration with solemn street processions. Statues of San Gandolfo, decorated with flowers and candles are carried slowly atop the shoulders of the devoted through the village streets.

Black and white photo of street musicians playing guitars during a crowded outdoor event, with onlookers lining the sidewalk.

LA SAGRA DELLE NOCCIOLE
The Hazelnut Festival
3rd weekend in August

________

La Sagra delle Nocciole is on the third weekend in August celebrating the hazelnut, long cherished in Polizzi and grown in the area. Food stalls are set up along the main piazza, Sicilian horse drawn carriages parade through the main street and music and dance feature with passion and devotion. International dance and song groups from many countries provide cultural insight into other countries and it is a wonderful night of dance, parades, traditional costume, and fabulous song.

A religious procession with a large crucifix depicting Jesus Christ, surrounded by flowers and candles, on a platform carried by people in traditional ceremonial attire, set against a backdrop of mountains and clouds.

THE MOST HOLY CRUCIFIX
May 1st - May 4th

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A traditional yearly feast from May 1st - May 4th celebrating the veneration of the Holy Crucifix. The festival is filled with processions, the blessing of Polizzi's countryside and its bountiful fields of grain. Folklore, tradition and sacredness with music, song, votive candles, local food and bread.

People participating in a religious procession, carrying a decorated float with a statue of a saint on a narrow street, some wearing capes and face masks, ambient evening light.

SANTA LUCIA
December 12 & 13

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Santa Lucia the patron saint of eyesight, is celebrated on the December 12th and 13th venerated by the people of Polizzi. A special humble food called "cuccio" a Polizzana peasant food is prepared and the festival includes prayers, chanting, and procession.

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