With its beautiful palm trees that line the promenade and part of the historic center, it seems to be in a city overseas. And instead we are in Sicily in the province of Agrigento. Precisely in Sciacca one of the most beautiful and rich in history of the island. Which should be admired for its archeology but also "tasted" through the five senses, thanks to experiential tourism initiatives promoted in recent years and which have been taken as a model by many other Italian cities. We will then take you to the discovery of this town, known for its ancient baths, for its ceramics and for its carnival. But also for much more.
Sciacca, a little history
It is said that Sciacca was built by the Sican king Cocalo. Due to its particular geological conformation, vapors with therapeutic properties have always come out of the caves of Mount Kronio. So much so that it was used by the Greeks and especially by the Romans for thermal treatments. And it was San Calogero who is said to have brought sick people in need of treatment to the city. The rediscovered caves, in fact, have allowed us to find vases of ancient origin. It was dominated by the Normans and then with the Swabian dynasty it obtained the status of a state-owned city.
Sciacca city of ceramics
But the city in the province of Agrigento is also known for its pottery, which like those of Caltagirone, are among the most renowned nationally. It is easy to find yourself walking through the streets of Sciacca and admiring the numerous ceramics that adorn the houses and streets. The city was a center of ceramic production and marketing. The first ceramic masters of the area date back to the XNUMXth century. And the art of ceramics belongs to those "experiences" that the community promotes for its tourism. Those who choose it for their holidays, in fact, have the opportunity to immerse themselves in many local craft activities. But also preparing typical dishes, baking bread in the community oven.
Pottery, coral and much more
And so tourists arriving in Sciacca can learn to work with ceramics and coral. But also the art of papier-mâché, which is prepared for Carnival. And still learn how to drive a boat. Enclosed in the diffused museum of the five senses are over 50 experiences that can be done in Sciacca. And so it will be possible to know every aspect that belongs to the Sicilian. Itineraries through all the senses. And the experience of the "Identity and Beauty" Community Cooperative, which manages the Diffused Museum of the 5 Senses has also been taken as a model of good practices and told in many television broadcasts, precisely for the service promoted for the city and for the identity it allows to discover.
The Carnival considered the oldest in Sicily
Considered the most important event in the city, Sciacca can be visited during the Carnival. Hundreds of visitors who before Covid crowded the streets of the city to follow the event. D.the great value are in fact the allegorical floats, made by local groups and associations. The floats and masks with the groups that dance in the streets, parade through the streets of the city, and end with performances in the square, including music, lights and colors.
The sacred buildings
For those who love art, itineraries can be made to discover the many historic buildings of the city, but also the churches. Like that of Maria Santissima del Soccorso, the Matrice, from the Middle Ages. And again the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate which dates back to the 1342th century. The church of San Giovanni Battista, or church of the Jesuit College, the church of San Domenico and the convent of the Order of the Preachers of San Domenico. And then the church of Santa Margherita, built in XNUMX by Eleonora d'Aragona.
Photo source in evidence: “Sciacca - 15” by ialla is marked with CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
