Polizzi Generosa - History
Nestled in the Madonite chain,
this town's ancient origins
remain shrouded in mystery. To
some, it was the ancient
Sicilian Athens. For others, its
name is a derivative of Dei
Palici, daughter of the nymph
Thalia, and thus lending tis
name to the Naftolia body of
water which springs nearby.
The city's development occured
during the domination of the
Byzantine Empire and
subsequently in the Norman epoch
under the stimulus of Count
Ruggero and Countess Adelesia.
Polizzi became Generosa when
Federico II granted the title in
1224.
The town houses works of
significant artistic, historical
and architectural merit.
In addition to the majestuous
Palazzo Gagliardo dei Baroni di
Carpinello the Church of San
Pancrazio provides a wonderful
panorama in the midst of a
Byzantine neighbourhood and
houses an important painting by
Zoppo di Ganci. The Chiesa
Madre, the Cathedral, also
houses interesting paintings,
including a Flemmish tryptic of
the Memling school. |