Alia (Palermo Province) is a hill town, 80 km. from Palermo, alt. 726 m., in the southwestern Madonie, on the River Torto, area 45.7 sq. km., pop. over 4200, post-code 90021, tel. 091. Economy: agriculture and handicraft (wrought iron, lace, and carpets).
It was founded in 1623 by Pietro Celestri, Marquis of Santa Croce, in the Lalia fief, near an ancient Muslim hamlet which no longer exists. In the early years of the 19th century, it passed from the Santa Croce family which had died out, to the Princes of Sant'Elia.
Of interest are the Gurfa caves nearby, majestic rock architecture of uncertain origin.
Churches (Cefalu Diocese) include the following:
Families researched in these records include the following:
Links to other sites about Alia include:
My latest book on CD is titled Sicily, Part 1 and Part 2 is now available on 2 CDs. With a file for each town (plus many other files), it relates the history of Sicily as reflected in the photos, records and festivals of its towns. It contains over 2500 text and photo files and can be ordered at CD order.
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