Mussomeli

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Comune di Mussomeli
Coat of arms of Comune di Mussomeli
Municipal coat of arms
Country Flag of Italy Italy
Region Sicily
Province Caltanissetta (CL)
Mayor Calogero Valenza (since June 11, 2002)
Elevation 650 m (2,133 ft)
Area 161 km² (62 sq mi)
Population (as of January 31, 2004)
 - Total 11,354
 - Density 71/km² (184/sq mi)
Time zone CET, UTC+1
Coordinates 37°35′N, 13°45′E
Gentilic Mussomelesi
Dialing code 0934
Postal code 93014
Frazioni Mappa, Polizzello
Patron Madonna of the Miracles
 - Day September 8
Website: www.comune.mussomeli.cl.it

Mussomeli (Mussumeli in Sicilian) is a town in the province of Caltanissetta, Sicily, Italy.

The Castle of Mussomeli.
The Castle of Mussomeli.

[edit] History

Mussomeli was founded in the 14th century by Manfredo III Chiaramonte with the name Manfredi, but later the current name, probable of Arab origin, was reimposed. In 1549 it became a county under the Lanza family. A feast is held every September for the Madonna of the Miracles.

In the early 20th century numerous townspeople emigrated to America, many to Buffalo, NY, where a similar feast is also held every year. Many townpeople also emigrated to the UK, to London and Woking, Surrey where the Maddona dei Miracoli (Madonna of Miracles) is celebrated every July. The most common surname in Mussomeli is Messina.

[edit] Main sights

  • The Chiaramonte Castle, built in 1370 in Norman-Gothic style. It stands on a high crag at 778 meters, 2 km outside the town. It has large halls, dungeons and torture cells, and a chapel with a precious alabaster depicting the Madonna dell Catena (1516). Near the castle are the ruins of a Greek-Italic village.
  • The Chiesa della Madonna dei Miracoli (Church of Our Lady of the Miracles)
  • The Chiesa Madre of San Ludovico (14th century). It was restored along Baroque lines in the 17th century.
  • The Renaissance church of San Francesco.
  • The 17th Palazzo Trabìa, with a noteworthy art gallery.
  • The church of St. Anthony (16th century)


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Sicily · Comuni of the Province of Caltanissetta
Sicily Province of Caltanissetta
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[edit] External links