Mezzojuso, Municipality in Metropolitan City of Palermo, Italy
Mezzojuso is a village in the Metropolitan City of Palermo situated at approximately 570 meters elevation on the eastern slopes of Rocca Busambra. The settlement spreads across roughly 50 square kilometers and is shaped by the presence of the San Leonardo River.
The village originated under Saracen rule in the 10th century as Manzil Yusuf. Following Norman conquest in 1091, new churches were constructed, including Santa Maria delle Grazie, which marked the region's religious reorganization.
The village is home to two 16th-century churches representing different religious traditions: one following Latin rites and the other Byzantine Greek traditions. Both buildings remain active in the community and reflect the mixed heritage of its people.
The village can be visited year-round, with mild temperatures at the higher elevation and pleasant summers. The compact layout of the settlement requires patience when exploring on foot, particularly when navigating stairs between buildings.
During the final Sunday of Carnival, residents perform a theatrical presentation called Mastro di Campo where participants wear 15th-century costumes. This tradition merges local history with street culture that appears just once a year.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
