Discover Vicari: Castle, Art and Sicilian Traditions

Vicari combines an impressive hilltop location with a history dating back to the Middle Ages, significant architecture and vibrant local traditions. If you are looking for a place with cultural discoveries and distinctive sights for your trip to Sicily, you will encounter very different facets here: a castle above the town, a historic palazzo with sacred art, an old mother church, Arab-influenced architecture and a typical sweet treat.

The Castle of Vicari above the town

The Castle of Vicari stands on a rock at an altitude of around 700 m and towers over the entire town. It is documented as early as 881. These two details make the building a particularly distinctive reference point in the town’s history: on the one hand, its location shapes the appearance of Vicari, while on the other, its documented history reaches far back.

To access the castle, you should plan to use the staircase. There is no ramp for people with disabilities.

Palazzo Pecoraro Maggi and Sacred Art

Palazzo Pecoraro Maggi was the residence of Vicari’s most prominent family, the Pecoraro family, for more than three centuries. Its first floor is the piano nobile and features decorated vaulted ceilings. A single building therefore reveals not only the town’s family history, but also the representative design of a historic noble residence.

Since May 2022, Palazzo Pecoraro Maggi has housed a gallery of sacred art. Access is possible via a ramp for people with disabilities. The ramp-accessible entrance to the palazzo thus differs from the staircase leading to the castle.

Church and Arab Traces

Another important cultural site is the Chiesa Madrice. It was built around 1200 and displays Mannerist features on its façade. Its architectural history and the visible design of the façade thus represent two different periods that can be read directly in Vicari through a place of worship.

The Cuba di Ciprigna is an emblematic building and an architectural testament to Arab culture in Vicari. It is thought to have served as a cistern and was probably part of the Arab aqueduct network. The cautious wording reflects the traditional interpretation of the building: its use as a cistern is assumed, as is its probable integration into the aqueduct network.

San Giorgio and the Flavours of Vicari

If you would like to plan your trip around a local tradition, the San Giorgio festival on 23 May is a notable date. The festival includes a traditional equestrian procession with figures in historic costumes and richly decorated horses. The event combines the festive character of the town with a visibly staged historical remembrance.

Vicari also has its own culinary speciality: Passavolante is a typical sweet treat from the town. It is made from almonds, sugar and egg white. This concise list of ingredients makes Passavolante a specific example of local cuisine, distinct from the major sights yet still part of Vicari’s identity.

More Places to Research

If you would like to compare other places for your trip to Sicily in addition to Vicari, you can also explore Montelepre, Prizzi, Villabate, San Giuseppe Jato, Finale, Petralia Sottana, Balestrate and Santa Flavia.

For the overarching travel overview: Palermo.