Discover Lucca Sicula

Discover Lucca Sicula through its local history, religious traditions and olive culture. The present-day settlement dates back to 1620. The Contrada Gininis, on the old Trassera Regia beside a spring, was chosen as the site for the new town. Churches, Palazzo Lo Cascio and festivals offer further insights into the town.

Local history through churches and the Palazzo

The Chiesa Madre “Maria SS. Immacolata” was built in 1640. The Chiesa del SS. Rosario was built in 1860 and is located in the lower part of town. The construction dates and the location of the second church offer two different points of reference if you want to put the town’s history into context while walking around Lucca Sicula.

Palazzo Lo Cascio is the only surviving aristocratic residence in Lucca Sicula. On its upper floors, an exhibition traces the history of the community: on display are historical photographs, objects from the farming tradition and agricultural tools. One room commemorates all the town’s mayors. The tourist information office is on the ground floor. If you plan to visit, check its opening hours in advance.

The area’s archaeologically significant history also spans different periods. Portella S. Caterina is classified as a prehistoric settlement, Contrada Salina as a Roman settlement, and Villanova as a Norman station. These three names represent different historical classifications in the Lucca Sicula area.

Festivals and culinary traditions

The Festa dell’Olio promotes Lucca Sicula’s olive oil production and usually takes place in November. Olive oil is served for tasting at stalls, either on its own or alongside other specialties. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific dates in advance. This way, the usual time of year serves as a guide without being mistaken for a confirmed event date.

Olive varieties that have found favorable growing conditions in the hills of Lucca Sicula include Biancolilla and Nocellara del Belice; they are among the best varieties. Agriculture also shapes the landscape: alongside olive groves are almond groves, citrus orchards and vineyards. In local food culture, cultivation, oil and traditional cuisine come together.

On March 19, for the feast of Saint Joseph, the “li tavuli di San Giseppi” are set up in front of the forecourt of the Chiesa Madre and in many homes. The foods served on these tables include risu n’taganu, pignulata, spincie and vucciddati. A procession carrying the statue of Saint Joseph through the streets of Lucca Sicula brings the festival to a close. These dishes are directly associated with this custom, while the Festa dell’Olio focuses on olive oil tasting.

The Fest del Crocifisso lasts three days and includes a solemn procession through the streets. It also features a livestock fair where various farm animals can be bought: cows, pigs, chickens, chicks and horses. During Holy Week, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the Corso also become a stage for scenes from the Passion.

Another Easter custom is the “Incontro.” A municipal description updated in 2023 recounts it as an annual event: the people of Lucca Sicula accompany the Madonna to meet her risen Son. The festivals are associated with different points in the calendar: the usual November period for the Festa dell’Olio, the fixed date of March 19 for San Giuseppe, and Holy Week for the Passion scenes. Check before travelling for specific event dates.

Lucca Sicula’s traditional recipes have been passed down through generations and are still prepared according to tradition. Together with the olive and almond groves, citrus orchards and vineyards, they create a picture in which the agricultural landscape and food culture sit closely side by side. The town’s history, its named historical sites and its various festival customs offer different ways to explore Lucca Sicula as you plan your trip.

Discover more destinations: Sant'angelo Muxaro, Licata, Sambuca Di Sicilia, Fiumenaro, Borsellino, Menfi, Aragona, Naro.

For the broader travel overview: Agrigento.