Petralia Soprana – Petralia Soprana (meaning up town) is, at 3761 feet in altitude. It is the highest city in the Madonie and overlooks a dramatic open landscape. Its origins seem to go back to Petra, a settlement founded by Sican tribes. The city features a collection of stone (as per a local regulation) houses nestled against each other. It is one of the finest preserved examples of a 17th century Sicilian town, developed in the Middle Ages.

The medieval part of the town is marked by a maze of narrow streets lined with noble palazzi and churches, all built in the local natural stone, occasionally opening out into picturesque little squares and onto breathtaking scenery. A particularly impressive panorama, including the city of Enna, Resuttano, Monte Cammarata and Madonna dall’Alto, can by enjoyed from the section of town known as Belvedere, near Piazza del Popolo.

The Chiesa di S. Maria di Loreto was built on the site of an ancient Saracen fortress. Its convex front elevation, framed between two bell-towers, was designed by the Serpotta brothers. Inside, there is a large altarpiece depicting the Madonna and Child, attributed to Giacomo Mancini (15th century). From behind the church extends a terrific view of the volcano: Mount Etna.
 
 

At the heart of the town is Piazza del Popolo; there stands the Town Hall occupying the former premises of a Dominican convent that retains its Gothic appearance, complete with pointed arches.
 
 

The street to the Chiesa Madre leads to the beautiful Piazza Quattro Cannoli, with a wonderful stone fountain. The Mother Church is preceded by a fine portico on its right flank, and also offers fine views over Piano Battaglia, Polizzi, Etna and Enna. The church preserves a precious wooden Christ by Frà Umile da Petralia, to the right of the altar, and a fine wooden altar carved by Bencivinni inside the Cappella del SS. Sacramento, to the left of the altar. The rear wall is ornamented with a big 1700s organ.
 
 

The Chiesa del Santissimo Salvatore has an elliptical plan and 1700’s decoration. It houses a wooden figure of St. Joseph, by Quattrocchi, and, in the Sacristy there are two works by Giuseppe Salerno. They are St. Catherine of Alessandria and the Madonna del Gatto, both showing an intimacy and gentleness that is unusual for this painter.