Curiosities about Buccheri: the highest village in the Iblei Mountains

Curiosities about one of the most characteristic and ancient villages in Sicily. Buccheri is the highest municipality in the province of Siracusa and in the Iblei Mountains. An ancient village with a territory rich in archaeological evidence that dates human presence back to the Archaic Age, with a series of pastoral huts built using megalithic techniques, the Cave of S. Nicola—a church carved into the rock from the Christian period with still partially visible frescoes. Myth tells that here the shepherd Daphnis used to graze his flocks and those of the gods, to the sound of his flute.

Ancient history and dominations: Siculi, Arabs and Normans

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Lauro (987 m a.s.l.), the area saw the settlement of Siculi, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs. But it was the Normans who developed it, building a fortified castle on Colle Terreo with two towers and a keep, of which important remains are still visible today.
The Paternò family were the first lords of Buccheri, taking possession in 1088. In 1282 the village, already developed around the castle, passed to Alaimo of Lentini, protagonist of the Sicilian Vespers, who lived there with his much-discussed wife Macalda di Scaletta. The fief later passed to the Montalto family.
The first baron of Buccheri was Gerardo Montalto, invested in 1313. After two centuries the lordship passed to the Morra family, and from them to the Alliata-Villafranca family, who ruled until the early 1800s.

The 1693 earthquake and Baroque reconstruction

The village of Buccheri was almost completely destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1693, and was later rebuilt in the valley below, changing the orientation of its churches while remaining faithful to the geometric layout of the Baroque style.

Church of Sant’Antonio and artistic heritage

To the north stands the Church of S. Antonio, located at the top of a long and scenic staircase, standing out among the houses and historic buildings of the village with a tall façade decorated with columns and a bell tower in the center.
An inscription on a corner stone on the apse dates its construction to 1212.
The interior, with three naves and columns supporting round arches, is decorated with stuccoes by Gianforma and many paintings, including two works by Guglielmo Borremans, a white marble altar frontal with biblical scenes from the late 1500s. The presbytery seat, choir and pulpit are by Domenico Avola. The statue of Saint Anthony from 1743, still carried in procession today, is by Michelangelo Di Giacomo.

Church of Santa Maria Maddalena and Baroque treasures

To the east stands a gem of Sicilian Baroque architecture: the Church of S. Maria Maddalena, originally a small church outside the walls, whose façade was designed by the Buccherese architect Michelangelo Di Giacomo.
Inside, in the right nave, is the exquisite marble statue of the Magdalene, sculpted in 1508 by Antonello Gagini. Other precious statues include Saint Blaise, Saint Francis of Paola, Saint Rosalia, Saint Lucy, Saint Agatha, and a 15th-century wooden statue called “U patri abbunnanzia” (the Father of Abundance). There are also remarkable 18th-century paintings and a valuable 17th-century organ with 1,631 pipes, still perfectly functional today.

Rural churches and the Bosco del Crocifisso

To the south, at the top of a steep climb, lies the small rural Church of the Crucifix, a place of prayer and reflection overlooking the village and traditionally hosting Holy Week celebrations.
In the surrounding Bosco del Crocifisso there is an installation by Alfredo Romano depicting the Madonna facing the sky, and a nearly 200-year-old ash tree.

Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie and Mother Church

To the west stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, a late 18th-century church where the coat of arms of Buccheri was placed on the triumphal arch and the ancient altar of the Madonna dell’Assunta was transferred.
At the center of this quadrilateral lies the Mother Church, dedicated to Saint Ambrose, the Milanese saint and patron of the town. Many works of art are preserved here, including a 17th-century painting of Saint Michael, an 18th-century painting of Saint Ambrose, and a statue of the saint by Gaetano Franzese.

Fontana dei Quattro Canali and Church of Sant’Andrea

Nearby, the “Fontana dei quattro canali”, built in lava stone, has been continuously flowing since 1585 through four carved masks.
A few kilometers from the center, immersed in greenery, is the Church of S. Andrea, the oldest church in Buccheri, which seems to have protected it through time and natural disasters. Built around 1225 by Frederick II in the Rachalmeni area, where an Arab community once existed, it is a rare and remarkable example of Swabian Gothic religious architecture. Inside, pilgrims’ graffiti with centuries-old dates can still be seen. A legend says that anyone born in S. Andrea would be “ciocciu”, meaning stuttering.

Wild nature: Gole della Stretta and Iblei forests

Nearby lies another natural wonder: the karst geosite of the “Gole della Stretta”, the result of erosion by the San Leonardo river. The gorge walls are in some sections steep and vertical, while in others there are Castelluccio-era tombs.
This magical village is surrounded by nearly two thousand hectares of woodland rich in pines, cypresses, downy oaks and chestnuts, where deer, roe deer and wild pigs live freely, and where the only Adventure Park of the Iblei Mountains is located.
Tree-top paths with nets, ropes, Tibetan bridges and zip lines of various lengths create a natural paradise for both adults and children, with routes of different difficulty levels.

Zelkova sicula and unique natural heritage

In Contrada Pisano there are 250 specimens of the prehistoric shrub “Zelkova sicula”, unique in the world. This is an endangered and protected species.

Winter, snow and ancient snow pits

Due to its altitude, Buccheri is often covered in snow during winter, even with significant accumulation.
Because of this, the village is surrounded by several snow pits (nevriere)—caves or hollows where snow was collected to keep food and drinks cool during summer. Until the 1950s, this was a thriving trade with several Sicilian cities and even Malta. The collected snow was sold to hospitals or used for ice cream and granitas. Today, snow pits in cave, dome or dammuso forms are still visible.

Traditions, events and food & wine culture

Buccheri is the Sicilian capital of nature and food & wine tourism, with a series of events throughout the year enhancing its historical traditions and treasures.
Such as the MedFest, a festival offering ancient medieval dishes and themed shows like the Drum Festival.
Another unmissable experience is walking through its beautiful forests. October is dedicated to guided excursions with mushroom exhibitions and routes through the village’s architectural treasures, with stops in taverns to taste local products such as cured meats, olives, mushrooms, sausages, and dishes with truffle or saffron.

Traditional products and cuisine

Among traditional products listed by the MIPAAF (Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies) are “Pani co Pipi” – stale homemade bread softened with tomato extract, seasoned with oregano, chili, oil and eggs; “Cuddhuruni” – dough softened with water and seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, oregano, chili and fresh basil; “Favi Liezzi” – broad beans cooked with onion, celery, olive oil, tomato sauce, oregano and chili; “Funciddhi” – mushroom-shaped dessert made with dried fruit, Moscato or Marsala, eggs, sugar and orange peel; “Oliva a Puddhasceddha di Buccheri” – olives harvested in late September, crushed, pitted and seasoned with garlic, fresh mint, vinegar and extra virgin olive oil; “Panifrittu cu l’uovu” – stale bread dipped in egg and fried in olive oil with salt and oregano.

Annual traditions and recognitions

In Buccheri, every month of the year is dedicated to an ancient and precious tradition. Some examples:
In December, with the Via della Luce, the entire village enters a Christmas atmosphere with a life-size Nativity scene, a grand illumination of the Nativity, Christmas markets and the fairy-tale Elves’ Forest.

At Easter, “U passiu Santu” stages the Way of the Cross in Sicilian dialect through the village streets and squares.

Or the “Sentieri di Maggio”, when every Sunday visitors can immerse themselves in nature with expert guides.

For all this, Buccheri has received numerous recognitions over the years.

In addition to being part of the Borghi più belli d’Italia network, in 2015 it was named World Capital of Extra Virgin Olive Oil quality, in 2018 an Excellence Municipality among the Top 100 Italian destinations awarded for the “Oro degli Iblei” project as the first ambassador municipality of agri-food excellence.

In 2021 it became a Borgo dei Tesori.

Also in 2021 it was named the Most Beautiful Village in Sicily and by the WFTA was awarded “Best Culinary Destination in the World”.

We could tell much more, but we leave it to you to discover it…

We can say that, in our opinion, Buccheri is one of the must-visit destinations in your trip to Sicily, to experience the true Sicilian essence in all its forms and nuances….. We look forward to welcoming you to Buccheri!

Text and photos from the web