Piazza Margherita

At the foot of the Matrice Vecchia church

There is no village in Italy that does not have a square around which the local spiritual and cultural life revolves. Castelbuono is no exception. If you visit this small but charming municipality in the province of Palermo, we recommend heading to Piazza Margherita to discover one of its most charming corners.

The centre of the square features an octagonal fountain, whose understated simplicity is matched by the buildings overlooking this open space: low stone buildings in warm tones that contrast with the black of the wrought-iron balconies.

Sure to attract your attention is the bell tower and portico of the Church of Maria Santissima Assunta, or Matrice Vecchia. Built on an earlier mosque, this place of worship, dating to the 14th century, features a blend of different styles from Eastern to Western, from Romanesque-Gothic elements to Saracen details. The building is crowned by elegant Ghibelline merlons.

You can take a rest under the loggia before resuming your exploration of Castelbuono.