Niscemi's cultural heritage at risk as landslide emergency unfolds
A significant landslide in Niscemi, Sicily, has necessitated the evacuation of 1,500 residents and placed the entire community on high alert. This town boasts a rich cultural heritage, featuring Neolithic sites, Greek and Roman colonies, as well as Baroque architecture. Its historical narrative includes rock-cut tombs and remnants of the Sican and Sicel civilizations, alongside a Greek colony established following a Carthaginian invasion. Niscemi was reestablished as Nixenum in 1143 and later reorganized by Prince Branciforte in the mid-17th century. Notable landmarks include Palazzo Branciforte, Mother Church Santa Maria d'Itria, and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III. The town was involved in the 1848 uprising and Garibaldi's revolution in 1860. Additionally, the Sughereta cork forest is a protected EU area.
Key facts
- Landslide in Niscemi, Sicily, forces 1,500 evacuations
- First human settlements date to Neolithic with rock-cut tombs
- Niscemi was a Greek colony and Roman outpost, invaded by Carthaginians
- Refounded as Nixenum under Norman rule in 1143
- Prince Branciforte reorganized the town in mid-17th century
- 1693 earthquake destroyed much of the town; rebuilt in Baroque style
- Historic center includes churches by architects Giuseppe La Rosa, Silvestro Giugliara, and Rosario Crescimone
- Sughereta cork forest is a protected EU Site of Community Importance
Entities
Artists
- Giuseppe La Rosa
- Silvestro Giugliara
- Rosario Crescimone
- Barbagallo brothers
Institutions
- Regione Siciliana
- Unione Europea
Locations
- Niscemi
- Caltanissetta
- Sicily
- Italy
- Monti Erei
- Monti Iblei
- Mount Etna
- Butera
- Sughereta
- Bosco di Santo Pietro
- Caltagirone
- Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III
- Chiesa Santa Maria d'Itria
- Chiesa dell'Addolorata
- Palazzo di Città
- Palazzo Branciforte
- Chiesa di Sant'Antonio da Padova
- Chiesa di Maria Santissima della Grazia
- Santuario di Maria Santissima del Bosco
- Chiesa delle Sante Croci