Petralia Sottana

What to see, things to do, what to eat, interesting facts

State: PA - Area: Cefalù and Madonie

Petralia Sottana is a small village with a typically medieval urban layout: narrow alleys, stairways and underpasses characterize the upper area of ​​the village, home to the oldest districts.
Once there was only one Petralia: ancient Petra, founded by Sicani and called "Batarliah" by the Arabs. It was the Normans who built a castle around which the village of "sotto" developed, thus separating the community of Petralia into two sister cities: Sottana and Soprana. Petralia Sottana reached the peak of its splendor under the baronies of the Ventimiglia, Moncada, Cardona and Alvarez de Toledo families. Monuments, works of art and an authentic sculptural heritage bear witness to its history.

What is the best time to visit Petralia Sottana ?

Petralia Sottana can be visited all year round: the welcome and warmth of the Sicilians will amaze you. But for an unforgettable experience, admiring the colors, tasting the flavors and fully experiencing the traditions, it is advisable to plan a visit on the days of one of the festivals that take place in Petralia Sottana during the year.

If you want to know about upcoming festivals and events Click here and you will find a list of the most important ones.

What to see in Petralia Sottana

Petralia Sottana Tourist Map

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Church of Saints Marco and Biagio in Petralia Sottana

Murals of the Moon in Petralia Spttana

Belvedere at the Cross in Petralia Sottana

Church of Santa Maria della Fontana in Petralia Sottana

Urban Geological Path in Petralia Sottana

Ethno - Anthropological Petralese Museum

Church of San Francesco in Petralia Sottana

Church of Misericordia in Petralia Sottana

Oratory of the Rosary in Petralia Sottana

Mother Church of Petralia Sottana

Church of the Monte di Pietà in Petralia Sottana

Church of the Holy Trinity in Petralia Sottana

Sanctuary of Madonna dell'Alto in Petralia Sottana

Hydroelectric Plant in Petralia Sottana

Things to do

Traditional Festivals, Events, Live Show, Concerts,... Petralia Sottana

Petralia Sottana Summer Program
summer 2025

Feast of the Madonna dell'Alto in Petralia Sottana
Aug 2025

Pantomime dance of the Cordella in Petralia Sottana
Aug 2025

Madonite Autumn Flavors in Petralia Sottana
Oct 2025

Christmas in Petralia Sottana
Dec 2025

Feast of San Giuseppe in Petralia Sottana
Mar 2026

Easter in Petralia Sottana
Apr 2026

Infiorata del Corpus Domini a Petralia Sottana
Jun 2026

Feast of San Calogero in Petralia Sottana
Jun 2026

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‹ Events in Cefalù area

‹ Events in Sicily

What to eat in Petralia Sottana

Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Petralia Sottana

You can obviously taste all the typical products of Sicilian cuisine, the most well-known ones, such as cannoli, Sicilian cassata, arancini, etc. But there are some specialties typical of this area that are more difficult to find in other areas of Sicily.

To view a list of business activity within tourism in Petralia Sottana Click here

Interesting and Fun Facts

Interesting and fun facts, mythology, legend, folk tales and more to know about Petralia Sottana

Spite House in Petralia Sottana
In Petralia Sottana there is one of the most curious buildings in the world, the House of Spite, also known as "Casa du Currivu".

Legend Sanctuary Madonna dell'Alto
The place where the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Alto stands, the highest in Europe, is linked to a popular legend.

‹ Sicily Interesting Facts