{"id":67614,"date":"2014-08-21T22:22:15","date_gmt":"2014-08-21T21:22:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sicile-sicilia.net\/?p=67614"},"modified":"2026-10-12T10:02:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T09:02:38","slug":"naro-and-surroundings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sicile-sicilia.net\/en\/naro-and-surroundings","title":{"rendered":"Naro and Surroundings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the hinterland of Licata<\/a>, Naro<\/strong> is a small town that rises on a promontory at an altitude of 600 metres with a striking panorama over the “Valle del Paradiso” and its surroundings.
Its rich heritage bears witness to a very ancient continuity of occupation. Archaeological research indicates a human presence as early as the Neolithic, continuing into the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. Later, the region came under Greek and Roman rule before experiencing an important Arab phase, followed by integration into the Norman kingdom. Under Frederick II, the town received several privileges, and the Baroque era marked a moment of urban expansion visible in numerous religious and civil buildings.<\/p>\n

From the Middle Ages and the Arab period remain one of the seven ancient city gates, the former Jewish quarter, the mosque transformed into a Norman cathedral at the top of the rocky spur, as well as the imposing fortress of Chiaramonte Castle (13th\u201314th centuries).
It also preserves numerous churches in medieval and Baroque styles.<\/p>\n

\"Naro<\/a>

Naro<\/p><\/div>\n

Itinerary in Naro<\/h2>\n

This medieval\/Baroque itinerary is inspired directly by the PDF brochure<\/a> published by the municipality<\/p>\n

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  1. Castello dei Chiaramonte<\/a> : The medieval castle dominates Naro from “Monte Agragante”<\/li>\n
  2. Duomo Normanno<\/a> : A few metres past the castle, you arrive at the old Norman Duomo, erected in 1089 by Roger of Hauteville on the site of a mosque, preceded by a staircase of 209 steps from Via Dante.<\/li>\n
  3. Porta d’Oro : This is the only medieval gate still visible.<\/li>\n
  4. Chiesa del SS. Salvatore : Located on Via Dante, this Baroque church was founded in 1398 and remodelled in the 17th century.<\/li>\n
  5. Chiesa di Santa Caterina : Built by Matteo Chiaramonte in the 14th century on the ruins of a mosque,<\/li>\n
  6. Palazzo Malfitano Giacchetto : 15th-century palace with Catalan elements, housing the Museum of Graphics.<\/li>\n
  7. Chiesa di San Francesco \/ Ex-Convento : the church of San Francesco (origins 13th century) has a fa\u00e7ade with Mannerist and Hispanic elements,<\/li>\n
  8. Chiesa Madre & Collegio dei Gesuiti : Built between 1610 and 1619, one attached to the other.<\/li>\n
  9. Chiesa di San Nicol\u00f2 di Bari : Built in 1618. Its fa\u00e7ade combines Mannerist and Baroque motifs<\/li>\n
  10. Chiesa di Sant’Agostino (650 metres west of the town hall) : 18th-century church, with a dome, altars by Provenzani, crypt.<\/li>\n
  11. Sanctuary of San Calogero (1 km east of the town hall) : Located in Piazza Roma, built over a cave where the holy hermit lived. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Heritage of Naro<\/h2>\n

    Chiaramonte Castle of Naro<\/h3>\n

    The Chiaramonte Castle of Naro<\/strong>, built on an ancient Arab fort, occupies a strategic spur dominating the entire valley. The Normans consolidated this first structure before the Aragonese transformed it profoundly: in the 1330s, Frederick III had the great square keep of 21 m erected and reorganised the defensive complex. The complex then adopted its current configuration, with two cylindrical towers, two quadrangular towers, an ogival portal and a vast central courtyard with a well and a cistern. Around this courtyard were arranged the military buildings, the stables and a chapel, while the “Hall of the Prince” featured Gothic elements characteristic of the Chiaramonte style. A feudal residence of the Chiaramonte family in the late Middle Ages, the castle bears witness to a succession of superimposed eras. Today, it houses two permanent exhibitions: one on the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci and another bringing together 19th-century women’s dresses and accessories from the notable families of Naro.<\/p>\n\n\n