Gagliano Castelferrato

Gagliano Castelferrato (Zip Code 94010) is 159 Km. distant from Agrigento, 87 Km. from Caltanissetta, 83 Km. from Catania, 46 Km. from Enna, which is the province it belongs to, 152 Km. from Messina, 176 Km. from Palermo, 154 Km. from Ragusa, 141 Km. from Siracusa, 275 Km. from Trapani.

The municipality counts 4.061 inhabitants, its surface measures 5.600 hectares, and its population density counts 73 inhabitants per square kilometre. It rises over an internal hilly area, 651 meters above the sea-level.

The Town Hall is located in via Roma n. 196, tel. ++39 0935-693219 fax. ++39 0935-693293.

Wedged between two valleys, Gagliano Castelferrato boasts a rich production of wheat, barley, and almonds. Cattle breeding and sheep farms are flourishing, to which the annual Cattle Fair is dedicated in the months of August and October. The extraction of methane from the subsoil is substantial.

Gagliano probably derives from Gallianum, name of the ancient owner of the territory. The appositive "Castelferrato" was added in 1862, because of a nearby fortified castle so called "di ferro" (made of iron).

The first inhabited center rose approximately during the XII century thanks to the Arabs, who began edifying in the surroundings of the majestic castle. Subsequently, it belonged to lord Montaneiro Perio De Sosa, and in 1392 it became property of Perio Sancio de Colatajuro.

Afterwards, several noble families followed, such as the Centelles, Galletti, and ultimately Castello, until the abolition of the feudal regime.

The most outstanding monument is the Chiesa Madre (Mother Church) of S. Cataldo erected in the XIV° century, that beholds a splendid tabernacle by Gagini (1478-1536), and a wooden choir of the XVIII century.

The 1600 Church of S. Maria di Gesù and adjacent marble fountain are relevant, as well.