Vizzini it is located in Sicily, in the province of Catania. It is a place rich in history and culture where time seems to have stopped, an enchanting place that is characterized by the presence of a vast cultural and artistic heritage and by a unique history. There are several versions of the etymology of the name. According to some theses, the original name is "Bidi", with the Arabs the name underwent transformations until it later became Vizzini. For others, Vizzini refers to the ancient Bidis, which mentions Cicero.
An ancient story
The town has very ancient origins: there are several troglodyte caves, as well as finds dating back to the Bronze Age. Around the year 150, in the surroundings of the Castle, the first nucleus of the city surrounded by walls will form. In the early fifteenth century, it changed its urban structure extending especially along the eastern area. In XNUMX he received the title of "Most obedient" and is equated with cities like Palermo in terms of privileges, honors and burdens. It grew until it reached 16 inhabitants in the first half of the seventeenth century. In 1848 he took part in the Carbonaro motorcycle and waved the Tricolor flag in the Town Hall for the first time. However, the Bourbons suppress the revolt. The country, like other centers of Sicily, has experienced the effects of the great migration, especially after the last world war, especially the decrease in population.
What see?
To get to know the beauty of this place better, it is necessary to touch what it has to offer. Vizzini is full of churches; there is the museum "House of Memory and the Arts" and then again the "Lucio Marineo" Municipal Library, located in a room of a former Jesuit convent founded in 1646. Its institution takes place in the period between 1840 and 1850. And how can we not mention the Vergian places, such as Verga palace e Trao palace, la house of the master Don Gesualdo, it's at' Cunziria? In short, Vizzini is a place worth visiting!
Vizzini, the land of the writer Giovanni Verga
Besides being an enchanting place, Vizzini is the land of Giovanni Verga, the main exponent of Verismo. The squares and alleys of Vizzini were the backdrop to some of the most important Verga's works. Among these, the Rustic Cavalry; Mastro don Gesualdo; The she-wolf; Story of a blackcap. To celebrate the writer, the town dedicates every year a prestigious theatrical and musical review, the Vergiane. The event has now become a renowned appointment throughout Sicily and has seen the participation of numerous artists of great importance at national level. 2020 coincided with the XNUMXth anniversary of the event.
The ricotta festival
Every year, on the occasion of the 25th April, Vizzini celebrates its product par excellence, the ricotta cheese, through one festival. Ricotta is known and appreciated not only within the country, but also throughout the island, not only for its properties and for its unique and exquisite taste, but also for its local peasant tradition specialized in the sector of breeding and production of appreciated and renowned cheeses and ricotta. The program of the festival includes the possibility of tasting cheese-based products, among these the ricotta, moments of entertainment and folklore. The festival punctually attracts visitors who come from neighboring countries, from the entire Sicilian territory; but also foreign tourists, fascinated by the place and the flavors that only Vizzini can offer.
