Bivona, Italian comune
Bivona is a small commune in Sicily situated on hilly terrain among the Monti Sicani Mountains. The town features stone buildings, narrow winding streets, and multiple churches scattered throughout its historic core.
Bivona was founded in the 12th century as a Muslim settlement under King Ruggero II's rule. In the 14th century, a Genoese admiral named Giovanni Corrado De Aurea built a castle here, though only ruins remain today.
The name Bivona comes from Arab roots, reflecting centuries of Muslim settlement in the area. The narrow streets and traditional building styles still show Arab architectural influences that shape the old town's appearance today.
The town is easy to explore on foot since its small size encourages a leisurely pace through the narrow streets. Visit between May and October when the weather is mild and the peach harvest season brings fresh local produce to markets.
The area around Bivona contains fossils dating back to the Permian period, making it geologically significant for natural history. The Monti Sicani Park allows visitors to discover these prehistoric remains while hiking through the surrounding landscape.
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