Sicily boasts an incredibly rich history, made up of people who have followed each other over the history, ending up sculpting the territory in which they lived. Among the medieval villages of northern Sicily, Castelbuono is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating. Castelbuono is about 20 minutes by car from Cefalù and is located at the foot of Mount Milocco, inside the Madonie Park. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, when the noble family of Ventimiglia built a castle that could enclose their court, around which it has developed a inhabited center. The Castle became their official home, as well as a cultural centre that soon began to attract visitors, artists and devotees from all over. To attract them, not only the lively cultural life of the court, but also the presence of the Holy Skull of St. Anna, kept on the high altar of the Chapel Palatine of St. Built by the Ventimiglia in 1600, the chapel features stucco decorations on a golden background, angels and religious allegories.

Today, to be visited, there is also the Civic Museum, where you can admire the artifacts made in honor of the cult of Sant’Anna, the historical-architectural evolution of the urban fabric of the country, a permanent gallery of modern art and various exhibitions throughout the year. But one of the reasons that today bring tourists from all over the world spend a weekend in Castelbuono, is the annual presence of Ypsigrock, the indie-alternative rock music festival that attracts many young people from all over Italy to experience the emotion of live music.

For those who choose to visit Castelbuono, in the meantime, can interrupt the tour to taste the typical cuisine. The typical dishes of Castelbuono, as those of many other areas of Sicily and southern Italy, represent the highest expression of the Mediterranean diet. The quality of the ingredients and spicy scents are the master, oils, almonds, raisins, lemon, pistachio, parsley and many other ingredients give traditional dishes an unmistakable flavor.