Collesano, Sicily

Provincia di Palermo

History

Collesano is the small village in Sicily at the heart of this family history project. My great grandfather Buonaventura Siragusa was born there, just as the five generations of Siragusas before him. Collesano is located near the north central coast of Sicily, about 40 miles east of Palermo. It is home to about 3,600 residents, and in March 2025 I was fortunate enough to visit my ancestral town.

The Chiesa Madre (above) stands tall and larger than life as the most famous landmark of the town. The informational placard outside the church details its history -- "built between 1450 and 1500 and consecrated in 1548, becoming the main church in the area." Inside you'll find "many important works of art including a cross from 1555 by Giuseppe Pernaci, frescoes from 1624 by Gaspare Bazzano, and two beautiful statues made by Francesco di Valdambrino in the early 1300s."

The Madonie Mountains and National Park provide the backdrop for Collesano, beautifully framing the views from the streets and heights of the village. Via Roma and Corso Vittorio Emanuele are the main path through town where you'll find rows of houses, balconies, shops, cafes, the municipo (city hall), bars, the Targa Florio Museum and more.

You can feel the history and tradition as you walk down the streets and through the alleys, but it's hard to grasp all that has transpired in a village that dates back to the 10th century BC. With influences across the island from the Greek, Spanish, Normans, Arabs, Romans and others, these small Sicilian villages have histories and cultures among the most diverse in the world.

Castello Medievale, in the northern end of Collesano, was built by the Normans in the 1100s and stands near the Church of Santa Maria La Vecchia. The castle was controlled by the Ventimiglia, Cardona, Moncada and other families over the years and in 1693 suffered major damage from an earthquake that devastated much of eastern Sicily.

Walking the streets where my grand grandfather was born and lived for over 40 years before coming to America was an incredible experience and adds so much perspective to this project. Every stone wall, street, balcony, and scenic view was an inspiration and I look forward to returning someday soon.

Our Collesano crew: Maurizio, Lisa, Kurt, Jen, Lori and Joe - March 5, 2025