BAGHERIA
Generic information
Province of: Palermo
Elevation: 76 m
Population: 47,000
GPS coordinates
Latitude: 38.078324
Longitude: 13.506955
Map
Web site
Italian version: www.sicilianelmondo.com
Photos
Description
Bagheria (Bagarìa in Sicilian, Baarìa or Baharìa in the local dialect) is a town in the Province of Palermo in Sicily, Italy.
History
In 1658 Giuseppe Branciforti, Prince of Butera, a former Viceroy of Sicily retired here and built a large villa. In 1769 one of the Prince's descendants redesigned the former village into a well planned Baroque town, it immediately became a fashionable resort, and many villas in the popular Sicilian Baroque style were built.
Etymology
According to some sources, the name Bagheria originates from the Phoenician term Bayharia meaning "land that descends toward the sea." Other sources claim that it derives from the Arabic B?b al-Gerib, or "windy gateway."
Main sights
Villa Palagonia, renowned for its complex external staircase, curved façades, and marble. Designed by Tommaso Maria Napoli, it is today open to the public.
Other notable building include Villa Butera, Villa Valguarnera, Villa Trabia, Villa Cattolica, Villa Cuto, Villa Spedalotto, Villa San Cataldo, Villa Villarosa, Villa San Marco, Villa Filangeri, Villa Sant'Isidoro, Villa Ramacca, Villa Serradifalco, Villa Larderia, Villa Campofranco.
Religion
Although the official feast day of St. Joseph, the town's patron saint, is March 19, it's celebrated in Bagheria the first Sunday of August; religious celebrations are held throughout the week leading up to Sunday, when more solemn ceremonies are initiated; the following Monday evening festivities conclude with a fireworks display.
Culture
Bagheria was the birthplace of many well-known 20th century figures: poet Ignazio Buttitta, photographer Ferdinando Scianna, artists Renato Guttuso and Nino Garajo, and film director Giuseppe Tornatore.
From Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bagheria&oldid=270558509>.