Campofranco: Nature, History and Festival Traditions

Campofranco combines nature, archaeological traces, churches and a distinctive festival tradition. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Campofranco, you will find points of interest here for different kinds of holiday experiences: discoveries of cultural history, encounters with the landscape around Monte Conca and insights into religiously influenced customs.

Churches, Museum and the History of the Town

The Museo di Storia Locale preserves more than 500 documents in its display cases. On display are original religious, historical and geographical documents from the 15th to the 20th century. The stated opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The church of Santa Maria dell'Itria was originally the chapel of the baronial palace. One of its special features is a precious floor made of glazed tiles bearing the coat of arms of the Lucchesi Palli from 1836. The Chiesa Madre was founded in 1575 by Giovanni Dei Campo and dedicated to the town's patron saint. It contains a coat of arms of the Del Campo family carved in stone, dating from 1575, as well as a commemorative plaque from 1580.

The church of San Francesco also bears witness to the history of the town. It was founded in 1573 by Francesco Del Campo and is popularly known as San Calogero. The church houses the 17th-century painting “Andata al Calvario”. Campofranco itself was founded in 1573 by Baron Giovanni Del Campo, with royal approval, as a small hamlet. Part of the historic Regia Trazzera Borbonica to Grotte is still visible west of the SP 115 and Monte Campanella.

Monte Conca between Karst and Archaeology

The Area Archeologica Serra del Palco is a Neolithic settlement. On the summit of Monte Conca there is also an archaeological area with a Bronze Age necropolis. The Riserva Naturale Monte Conca nature reserve was established to protect significant caves in Messinian gypsum and above-ground karst formations of considerable scientific and natural-historical importance.

The karst system of Monte Conca is one of the most extensive and deepest karst systems in the gypsum of Sicily. Its total spatial extent is 1,869 metres, with an elevation difference of approximately 130 metres. The Inghiottitoio di Monte Conca has a cave development of 520 metres and a negative elevation difference of 108 metres; it is divided into four vertical shafts.

Paths and Religious Traditions

The 1.5-kilometre path to the Riserva Naturale Monte Conca runs from kilometre 11.2 of the Strada Provinciale 24 to the Inghiottitoio di Monte Conca. The pilgrimage route begins at the nature reserve and ends at the Brecciafiorata of Acquaviva Platani. On the first day, short, continuously uphill stages lead from the Gallo d’Oro River to Campofranco.

The Festa di San Calogero takes place on the last Sunday in July. On this occasion, the residents of Campofranco walk barefoot at least once in their lives along the route from their home to the church of San Francesco. The Festa di San Calogero also includes the Sagra dei Pupi di Pane. For this event, large loaves of bread are baked in the shape of body parts that are said to have been healed through the intercession of the saint.

Choosing the Right Holiday Apartment in Campofranco

When comparing accommodation, you can focus on the aspects that are meant to shape your trip. The churches, the Museo di Storia Locale and the archaeological areas are ideal for a stay focused on cultural history. Monte Conca, the path to the Inghiottitoio and the pilgrimage route offer different highlights. A holiday apartment or holiday house in Campofranco can therefore be selected to suit your personal mix of history, nature, activity and festival culture.

For further travel options, you can also include Sutera, Mazzarino, Resuttano, Bompensiere, Vallelunga Pratameno, Acquaviva Platani, Montedoro and Serradifalco in your plans.

For the overarching travel overview: Caltanissetta.