The town of ceramics and bell foundries

Burgio

Close to the border with the province of Palermo, Burgio shows off its Saracen origins with its typical street plan. Almost certainly founded in the year 1000 on the ruins of the ancient Sican city of Scirtea: it was a Muslim dominion until the Normans conquered it.

The artistic and architectural patrimony of this town in the province of Agrigento is present in its no less than 19 churches and two castles. Among these, not to be missed is the church of Santa Maria della Misericordia built in 1175 with its characteristic bell tower, and the mother church dedicated to Sant'Antonio Abate, also built by the Normans. The two castles of Burgio, that of the Peralta family (12th century), of Saracen origin, and that of the Ventimiglia family (14th century), are both in the town centre.

A special mention must be made for the local craftsmanship, including the only bell foundry still existing in Sicily and the traditional production of pottery, a tradition that goes back to the methods used by the Greek colonists.

The Val di Mazara territory

The other destinations in the surroundings of Relais Briuccia at Montallegro

The Sicilian territory of the Val di Mazara is a breathtaking spectacle both by day and by night: the ancient Phoenician colony of Eraclea Minoa is not to be missed, with traces of the Roman presence on top of the Greek remains (it is only 10 minutes from Relais Briuccia) and Burgio with its Jewish quarter, a town of ceramics and bell foundries.
And for those who love nature and the sea, a few kilometres from Montallegro is the WWF Torre Salsa Wildlife Reserve.

Related Articles

Image

Book your experience

Please fill in the required fields
Please fill in the required fields
Please fill in the required fields
Please fill in the required fields
Please fill in the required fields
Please fill in the required fields