Discover Lucca Sicula

Lucca Sicula combines an agriculture-shaped landscape with a vibrant local history, religious festivals and a strong olive oil tradition. Olive groves, almond groves, citrus plantations and vineyards characterize the surrounding area. Those who want to get to know Sicily beyond its major cities will find numerous first-hand insights here into history, customs and regional cuisine.

Local History and Historical Traces

The present-day location of Lucca Sicula dates back to 1620. Contrada Gininis was selected as the site for the new town; it lies along the old Trassera Regia beside a spring. In the historically and archaeologically significant area of Lucca Sicula, several distinct historical sites are identified: Portella S. Caterina as a prehistoric settlement, Contrada Salina as a Roman settlement and Villanova as a Norman station.

The churches also provide clear chronological reference points in the town’s history. The Chiesa Madre “Maria SS. Immacolata” was built in 1640. The Chiesa del SS. Rosario was built in 1860 and is located in the lower part of the town. Palazzo Lo Cascio is the only preserved aristocratic residence in Lucca Sicula. Its upper floors house an exhibition tour on the history of the community. Historical photographs, objects from the farming tradition and agricultural tools are on display; there is also a room commemorating all the town’s mayors. The tourist information office is located on the ground floor of Palazzo Lo Cascio. The exhibition and tourist information office are therefore housed in the same historic building in the town.

Festivals with Their Own Traditions

The Feast of Saint Joseph is celebrated on March 19. On that day, the “li tavuli di San Giseppi” are set up in front of the square of the Chiesa Madre and in many homes. The dishes served on these tables include risu n’taganu, pignulata, spincie and vucciddati. A procession carrying the statue of Saint Joseph through the streets of Lucca Sicula brings the Feast of San Giuseppe to a close.

During Holy Week, the town also becomes a stage: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the Corso are transformed into settings for scenes from the Passion. During the annual Easter tradition known as “Incontro,” the citizens of Lucca Sicula accompany the Madonna to her risen Son. The Feast del Crocifisso lasts for three days. It includes a solemn procession through the streets of Lucca Sicula and a livestock fair where various farm animals can be purchased, including cows, pigs, chickens, chicks and horses.

Olive Oil and Regional Cuisine

Olive farming in Lucca Sicula is not only part of the landscape but also the subject of its own festival. The Festa dell’Olio usually takes place in November and promotes olive oil production in Lucca Sicula. At the stalls, olive oil is tasted on its own or together with other specialties. The olive varieties that have found favorable growing conditions in the hills of Lucca Sicula and are considered among the best include Biancolilla and Nocellara del Belice.

Traditional recipes from Lucca Sicula have been passed down through generations and are still prepared according to traditional guidelines today. In this way, the festivals and tastings complement the historical impressions with a culinary perspective on local life. Whether you are especially interested in religious buildings, local history, customs or regional products, Lucca Sicula offers different starting points for planning your trip to Sicily.

More Places to Explore

If you would like to consider additional destinations for your trip to Sicily besides Lucca Sicula, you can also find Ravanusa, Realmonte, Raffadali, Ribera, Contrada Fiori Sud, Lampedusa e Linosa, Castrofilippo and Sciacca.

For the higher-level travel overview: Agrigento.