Calascibetta, Italian comune
Calascibetta is a small hilltop town in Sicily with narrow cobblestone streets and old stone buildings clustered together. The settlement features several churches, family palaces, and archaeological sites scattered in the surrounding countryside that tell of thousands of years of habitation.
The settlement started as an Arab military camp and later developed into a thriving town under Norman rule. Spanish kings favored it during the Middle Ages and beyond, while various peoples left their mark through architecture and street layouts.
The town carries marks of its past as a military camp and settlement, with narrow streets and old churches showing how different peoples once shared this space. Local residents keep these traditions alive through festivals, regional food, and customs passed down through families.
The town is open to visitors year-round and you can walk freely through the streets to explore the churches, old palaces, and ruins at your own pace. Wear comfortable shoes since many pathways are cobblestone and some sections climb steeply uphill.
Every year the Palio dei Berberi takes place, a lively racing festival where costumed runners representing different Berber tribes recall the town's early history. The event brings locals together and shows how residents keep their past alive through spirited competition.
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