Calatabiano

Calatabiano (Zip Code 95011) is 227 Km. distant from Agrigento, 161 Km. from Caltanissetta, 35 Km. from Catania, which is the province it belongs to, 132 Km. from Enna, 57 Km. from Messina, 251 Km. from Palermo, 139 Km. from Ragusa, 93 Km. from Siracusa, 350 Km. from Trapani.

The municipality counts 5.686 inhabitants, its surface measures 2.630 hectares, and its population density counts 216 inhabitants per square kilometre. It rises over a coastal hilly area, 62 meters above the sea-level.

The Town Hall is located in piazza Vittorio Emanuele, tel. ++39 095-645391 fax. ++39 095-640440, toll free number 800298522 (only for italian residence). E-mail address is: calatabiano.generali@dns.omnia.it.

Extended over a long coastal area, Calatabiano boasts a rich production of citrus fruits, grapes, olives, cereals, and excellent medlars, exhibited during the annual Sagra delle Nespole (Medlar Festival) held in the month of May. Cattle breeding, as well as goat and sheep farms, are substantial because of the vast pasture areas.

The name Calatabiano derives from the Arab term Qalat-Bian, that means Castello di Biano (castle of Biano). The first inhabited center rose during the Arab era, in the surroundings of the Castle erected near the Alcàntara river. Throughout the years, it belonged to several feudal lords, such as De Parisi, De Regio, Lancia, Cruyllas, and ultimately Marullo. Towards the end of the XVII century, the suburb was bestowed to the noble Gravina family, to whom it belonged until 1812, when the feudal regime was abolished.

Architecturally, the most interesting monuments are the Chiesa di S. Filippo built in 1482, that has the emblem of the Cruyllas family on the entrance portal, and the Chiesa Madre preserving a splendid wooden Crucifix, artwork by D'Antonio (1502). Also, the Middle Age Castle, rich of Norman, Swabian, and Aragonese remains, and the Castello di S. Marco, with its typical rectangular plan, are beautiful to visit.

Near the town, there is one of the most enchanting touristy attractions: the natural gorges of Alcàntara, rich of singular small water falls and prismatic basaltics excavated by the homonymous river.