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Last Updated on 19 April 2024

The medieval village of Sutera is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and when you arrive you immediately understand why . It is perched on Mount San Paolino, at the top of which there is a Diocesan Sanctuary which offers a magnificent view of the village and the surrounding hills.

The landscape was a little spoiled by a steel elevator with green panels, built with European funds and then never used due to too high management costs . This is however the only flaw of this village which still remains absolutely fascinating.

Sutera
Berthold Werner , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Sutera
Davide Mauro , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Sutera
The elevator of discord – Berthold Werner , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

What to see in Sutera

The origin of Sutera dates back to the Arabs exactly to 860 AD. The Rabato district in fact in Arabic means “village” and has an Arabic conformation with the characteristic small and narrow alleys . In fact, a mosque was also built in this district which was then demolished and replaced in 1370 with the church of Santa Maria Assunta.

Sutera
In the alleys- Davide Mauro , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Sutera
City Hall – Davide Mauro , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Sutera
Davide Mauro , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Outside the Arab quarter you can visit the beautiful Ethno-anthropological museum, which has recreated the typical environments of the houses of the late nineteenth century, with tools and utensils of the time. Further on you will find the small square of Sant’Agata where the town and the church of the same name overlooks.

To finish the tour of the town, you cannot fail to climb Mount Paolino and admire the sanctuary (built on an ancient Byzantine castle) and the view of Etna , the Madonie , the Sicani mountains and the sea of Agrigento. Since you can’t use the lift, you have to walk along via S. Paolino. Once up, more than 800 meters high, you can even ring the old bell tower!

Sutera
View from the sanctuary – Pequod76 , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Finally, outside the town, you can also go and visit the San Marco Chapel, a tiny niche carved into the rock, with Byzantine frescoes . From here you will also have a beautiful view of the village. It is about 20 minutes on foot from the village.

Where to eat

If you are wondering where to eat in Sutera, you don’t have much of a choice. In fact, there is only one restaurant, the Civiletto. But don’t worry, the food is very good, it is positively reviewed and you can enjoy many typical dishes of the area and grilled meat and fish.

Interactive map of Sutera – Points of interest in purple

To locate yourself once in the area, click on the enlarge symbol at the top right of the map.

What to see around Sutera

Sutera is located in the province of Caltanissetta. Here you will find the most beautiful places to visit around Caltanissetta

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