Mazzarino (Caltanissetta Province) is 45 km from Caltanissetta, alt. 553 m, on a hill south of the valley torrent Braemi, area 294 sq km, pop. 13,331, post-code 93013, tel. 0934. Agricultural economy: wheat olives, almonds, vegetables and citrus fruit.
The town developed in the second half of the 13th century, as others did around the castle; in about 1324, the Branciforte family became lords of Mazzarino and they remained so until the abolition of the feudal system in 1812. In 1507, the Branciforte obtained the title of Counts of Mazzarino: this was the beginning of a period of considerable urban development which stretched west of the medieval nucleus.
A prehistoric necropolis has been identified on the Monti Desueri, on the boundry of the territories of Mazzarino, Gela and Autera.
An indigenous settlement has been discovered on Monte Bubonia which was then Hellenized and may correspond in the ancient Maktorion; to the east are traces of the roman city Philosophiana.
About 12 km away is Sofiana, where excavations have brought to light a Roman-Byzantine site.
Of interest: Palazzo Branciforte; Castle; town hall (formerly the Carmelite convent in Piazza del Carmine); Piazza del Carmine.
Churches (Piazza Armerina Diocese) include the following:
Links to other sites about Mazzarino include:
My latest book on CD is titled Sicily - A Reference for Researchers and is now available. 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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