Collesano: Churches, Ceramics and Targa Florio

Townscape and Trails

Collesano preserves its historic appearance around the remains of the Norman castle. The narrow streets, lanes and stairways of Collesano converge on Piazza Garibaldi. On Via Polizzi, there is a panoramic staircase entirely covered in ceramics, decorated with the colors and motifs typical of Collesano’s tradition.

The SENTIERO CASE RASCATE – LA VIA DEI CASTAGNETI trail leads through the Parco delle Madonie from Collesano, passing through a cork oak and oak forest to Case Rascata. The trail is classified as easy and is accessible to everyone, including people without trekking experience. From Collesano town center, access is via Via Isnello, the SP 109 towards Isnello and then Provincial Road 128. There is an information point for the Parco delle Madonie on Viale Vincenzo Florio.

Churches and Art

Santa Maria la Vecchia is the oldest church in Collesano and houses a 16th-century Madonna by Gagini. The Chiesa di San Giacomo was built towards the end of the 15th century and contains a 16th-century wooden statue of the Apostle James. The Chiesa di Santa Maria di Gesù preserves a wooden crucifix from 1635, considered a documented work by Frate Umile di Petralia. A 17th-century cloister is attached to this church.

The Chiesa Madre of Collesano was built towards the end of the 15th century and contains statues from the circle of the sculptor Antonello Gagini. The Chiesa del Collegio houses a depiction of Christ the Dead in an urn. The Basilica di Santa Maria la Nuova contains works by Zoppo di Gangi and Pietro Novelli. Those interested in culture should note the Madonna by Gagini, the crucifix from 1635 and works by Zoppo di Gangi.

Motorsport and Ceramic Tradition

Collesano is the intersection of the three Grande, Medio and Piccolo Madonie racing circuits. The Museo Targa Florio is located in a municipal building on Corso Vittorio Emanuele and documents the history of the Targa Florio. The Museo Targa Florio presents documents, memorabilia, photographs, helmets, racing suits and shoes. This includes an extensive photographic collection in an exhibition space measuring 200 square meters.

The old Fornaci near the Bagherino district are locally known as “stazzuna”. The pottery kilns associated with the “stazzuna”, as well as the processing, firing and glazing of clay, date back to a 17th-century tradition.

Collesano Cheese Festival

The Collesano Cheese Festival is known as the “17th Sagra del Formaggio”. During the Collesano Cheese Festival, the historic center is transformed into a village of culinary delights for two consecutive days.

Further destinations: Petralia Sottana, Castelbuono, Polizzi Generosa.

To the main travel overview: Palermo.