Discover Petralia Soprana

Petralia Soprana brings together churches and viewpoints with traditions surrounding grain and dairy products.

Churches and history

The Basilica dei SS. Apostoli Pietro e Paolo was rebuilt in the 14th century, consecrated in 1497 and extensively restored in the 18th century. The basilica also houses a wooden crucifix from the 17th century by Frate Umile Pintorno. The building’s history and the artwork offer two different points of reference for learning about the church: its long development and a specific work from a later period.

The Convento dei Frati Minori Riformati was built in 1611. The complex includes a church, a colonnaded cloister and a refectory with a fresco of the Last Supper. The friars turned the former grounds into a park. The Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto, meanwhile, stands at a place popularly known as “u Castru”—castle or fortress; from 1751, the church was extensively rebuilt and enlarged.

Historical reenactments and local festivals

The Matrimonio Baronale commemorates the wedding of two nobles from Petralia Soprana on 15 August 1700. In the historical reenactment, participants wear 18th-century clothing; it takes place on the occasion of Ferragosto. Specific dates and the program may vary, so it is worth checking event dates before your trip.

The Sagra del Grano in Pianello is also part of the town’s grain traditions. At its eleventh edition, held on 3 August 2024, the program included a historical reenactment and traditional dishes made with grain.

Viewpoints with different vistas

The named belvederes differ in the views they offer. From Belvedere Piazza Duomo, the view extends across eastern Sicily, including the town of Gangi and Monte Marone, as well as Mount Etna, known there as “Mungibeddu.” Belvedere del Carmine offers views across western Sicily in the direction of Palermo. At Belvedere di Loreto, the panorama includes southeastern and western Sicily as well as the valley of the Imera River. The Imera flows into the sea at Licata. Thus, the viewpoints each focus on different landscape features.

Grain, cheese and products of the Madonie

A municipal tourism description from 2020 lists products made from milk from the Madonie: fresh ricotta, medium-aged cheeses in seasoned and unseasoned varieties, Caciotta Madonita, mozzarella and scamorza. Caciotta Madonita bears Petralia Soprana’s municipal De.Co. designation of origin. The range of products thus extends from fresh ricotta to various cheeses; the description also mentions tastings and visits to a dairy as visitor experiences.

Other agricultural experiences featured in the 2020 tourism description revolve around ancient grain varieties and a traditional stone mill. They include flour for pasta, bread and other baked goods, as well as the steps from the summer harvest through milling to preparation in the kitchen. Seasonal gardening and demonstrations of dairy processing using traditional techniques, with product tastings, are also listed. Check what visits are currently available before your trip.

Art in a salt mine

A 2020 municipal tourism description also features the MACSS – Museo di Arte Contemporanea Sotto Sale: it is located in an active salt mine and contains 30 salt sculptures. If you are considering a visit, check what visiting options are currently available before your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Isnello, Torretta, Borgetto, Villafrati, Santa Flavia, Collesano, Cerda, Palazzo Adriano.

For the main travel overview: Palermo.