Licata

Licata is a beach resort near the middle of Sicily’s southern coast. It is located in the area of Agrigento. is rich in historical evidences as well as natural beauty.

Prehistory is the origin of the city. The beautiful sea often brings back precious treasures, from the anchors of ancient Roman and Byzantine ships to the relics that date back to the landing at the Allies in Licata.

Some Punic and Roman vessels relics remind us that Licata was the site of a famous naval battle among Romans and Carthaginians.

Some of these finds are kept in the Cloister of Sant’Angelo now the Museum of the Sea. Not far away, in the former Cistercians Sisters’Abbey is the Museum of Archaeology.

A large promontory overlooks the city and contains Castel Sant’Angelo. This fire tower was previously Aragonese.

The mountain offers breathtaking views of the long coastline and the city.

You can visit the site of an ancient city, Finziade. There are interesting archaeological excavations there.

Every person, whether they came from the sea, or the land, has left their mark on the town. Federico II gave it the title “Dilectissima”, and declared it a King’s domain.

Licata was subject to several invasions, including that of Dragut in 1553 who plundered it. This is why the Black Christ from Licata legend has been created. The legend says that the Turks tried to burn the Christ statue with burning arrows but it miraculously escaped destruction. It can be seen today in Santa Maria La Nova’s Main Church Santa Maria La Nova, where it is completely covered in inlaid wooden panels and decorated with gold.

The historical-artistic itinerary includes a visit at the church in San Calogero and stops at Santa Maria La Vetere, the Benedictine medieval basilica Santa Maria La Vetere, and San Domenico which holds two canvases by the Florentine painter Filippo Paldini.

You can also visit the dungeons and rooms of an old medieval castle. These were later converted into air raid shelter during wartime.

Many Liberty buildings can be found in the area, including the City Hall, which was designed by Ernesto Basile and contains a stunning 15th-century Triptych. There is also the small Teatro Re that has been recently restored and is open to the public.

Rosa Balistreri was born in the town. She is a singer and composer who didn’t conform to conventions, and a brave woman, and an artist that is beloved by all Sicilians.

For the pleasure of the most discerning palates, our tour will conclude with fresh fish, arancini (fried rice balls), and ricotta pastries. The tour closes with a digestive walk along the coast, at Vigata…pardon Licata.