Sommatino, the town of the sulphur mines
Detail
The province of Caltanissetta and much of Central Sicily tell a story linked to sulphur mines and the mining activities of the old mines. Among these, the town of Sommatino – not coincidentally known as the ‘City of Sulphur Mines’ – is particularly closely associated with the industrial heritage sites scattered throughout the area. A must-visit landmark, which still bears witness today to the importance of this unique activity, is the Museum of Natural History and Mining Art – a place also highly recommended for school groups and family outings with young children. It comprises a Geological Section and a Palaeontological Section dedicated to mining art, featuring an exhibition of drilling machines, lamps, face masks and gas detection equipment.
Strolling through the streets of Sommatino, one comes across the Church of Santa Margherita, which houses a wooden statue of the Madonna Odigitria (1500), and the aristocratic beauty of Palazzo Di Bartolo, one of the most fascinating examples of nineteenth-century Sicilian architecture. Topped by a turret, it features halls richly decorated with paintings from the school of Basile and original Art Nouveau furnishings, whilst the ground floor opens onto the typical Sicilian ‘baglio’, the central courtyard. The palace houses the Permanent Exhibition of Artistic Nativity Scenes, which depicts Sommatino in miniature and is one of the main attractions, not only during the Christmas period. Other historic buildings and sites not to be missed include the Palazzo dei Principi di Trabia, the Civic Tower (with its adjoining Art Nouveau clock, 1848), Piazza Belvedere and the Salita Lampasona, a panoramic vista revitalised through street art.
Anyone visiting Sommatino in summer simply must stop off at the Conte Water Park, in the district of the same name. A favourite summer destination offering fun for young and old alike, it has ample car parking, covers an area of around 6 hectares and offers the thrill of numerous breathtaking slides and water attractions (Multipista, Kamikaze, Tobogan, Turbo Treccia, Blue Cannon, SkyMet, Magic Ball and GRAVITY), all complemented by hydromassage pools for those seeking relaxation, a small lagoon, the Acqua Baby area and catering facilities.
Lovers of green spaces and nature will want to immerse themselves in the embrace of the Falcone-Borsellino Urban Park (towards Riesi): a splendid relaxation area where you can go hiking, running, play tennis or simply unwind at a kiosk.
When is the best time to visit Sommatino? During the main traditions and festivals, such as the ‘Tuppi Tuppi’ procession and the Feast of Saint Barbara, the patron saint celebrated on 4 December with the lighting of the traditional ‘vampi’ – bonfires that blaze in the streets. The onomatopoeic expression “tuppi tuppi” is equivalent to “knock knock” and refers to the Holy Family’s journey whilst fleeing from Egypt, when Joseph knocked on the doors of inns in search of shelter; this is why the festival is dedicated to fathers and is celebrated on 19 March, coinciding with the Palio di San Giuseppe.
Would you like to combine your visit with another town in the area, creating a personalised itinerary? Discover the ‘Sicilia di Mezzo’ tourism project!
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