Overview
The city of the Leopard
On a rocky hill overlooking the valley, which stretches down to the sea, is Palma di Montechiaro, a small town near Agrigento.
A fictional fiefdom of Donnafugata in the novel The Leopard, the village is renowned for its mother church, among the most iconic examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture. The three-nave layout features a spectacular staircase and two external bell towers.
Not to be outdone is the Ducal Palace, on a rocky outcrop in the space once called Piazza del Belvedere. The rooms feature coffered ceilings, which are decorated with different subjects.
The Benedictine Monastery houses the relics of Sister Crocifissa and stands at the top of a steep, semi-circular staircase, inside a square plaza.
We also recommend exploring the military architecture of Montechiaro Castle, converted centuries ago into a sanctuary dedicated to the local Madonna, the Madonna del Castello, and Torre San Carlo, a four-sided tower sat on a base shaped like a truncated pyramid.
Finally, don’t miss Calvario hill, where you can find the ruins of the ancient Baroque church of Santa Maria della Luce.
92020 Palma di Montechiaro AG, Italia
