Description of the attraction
Favara is a small commune in the province of Agrigento, 8 km east of the city of Agrigento. On an area of 81 sq. Km. only about 34 thousand people live. The main attraction of the city is the Castello Chiaramonte, built in 1280 as the hunting residence of Frederico di Zveva. Its architecture is in some way unique, as it represents a transitional form between the traditional palazzo (palace) and the castle itself.
Still, Castello Chiaramonte is often called a castle because of the square shapes of its various parts, built according to the plans of the Swabian castles, which were widespread in eastern Sicily in the 13th century. The building was partially used as a residence and only occasionally for military purposes, since it has a not very advantageous location. Part of the castle looks very massive, while the other has light double-leaf windows - some were later redesigned in the Renaissance style. The rooms on the ground floor were once used as storage rooms, stables and servants' quarters - they have cylindrical vaults and open onto the courtyard. They are also notable for their pointed doors and various additions from the 16th, 18th and 19th centuries. In the main hall, you can see a stone with a mysterious and undeciphered inscription, which, according to legend, informs about the location of the hidden treasures. Particularly noteworthy are the chapel and the portal, framed by two small columns and a marble frieze with a bas-relief and winged cupids. After several years of neglect, Castello Chiaramonte was recently restored, and today it hosts various cultural events.
Other attractions in Favara include the city's main square, Piazza Cavour, the 19th century Palazzo Fanara with a neoclassical portal, the Santissimo Rosario church, built in 1711 and declared a national monument, and the Santa Rosalia church, also called Purgatorio - Purgatory. Built at the end of the 19th century, the Cathedral of Favara - Chiesa Madre - is located near Piazza Cavour. This is one of the most impressive buildings in the city: its white-stone facade and the Gothic dome, which rises to a height of 56 meters, are striking. And the church of Santissima Maria del Itria is one of the most ancient buildings in Favara - it was built in the 15th century.
