Ribera > Itinerary 1

Ribera derives from the Spanish word “riviera” which may be translated either as “coast” or as “riverbed”, very appropriate, considering that the town is close to the coast and also irrigated by three large rivers: Verdura, Magazzolo and Platani. Just 4 km from the town, the medieval castle of Poggiodiana, with its characteristic circular tower, dominates the valley of the Verdura river. Ribera has become particularly famous for its excellent agricultural products, in particular the tiny sweet strawberries and the delicious, pipless juicy oranges, so-called Riberella or Ribera’s Oranges DOP. In the month of April Ribera celebrates its oranges with a special feast called the Sagra dell’Arancia, with a lot of sampling and tasting of products such as Marmalades, sweets and fresh fruit. The Poggiodiana Castle is one of the most important attractions in the area. The suggestive Norman stronghold, built on an earlier Arab fortress, and subsequently remodeled over the centuries, takes its name from a noblewoman: Diana Moncada, daughter of the prince of Paternò Luigi Guglielmo Moncada and wife of Count Vincenzo Luna. Today of the Castle remain the fascinating ruins on which stands an unusual cylindrical tower crowned by beak-shaped elements.

Among the churches in the historic center of Ribera, the most important are the Church of the Immaculate Conception, in via Roma, and the Mother Church located in the main square where there is a prominent sculpture dedicated to Francesco Crispi, a well-known Italian statesman who was born here.  The Rococo style Mother Church, damaged by the 1968 earthquake and then restored, is dedicated to the patron Saint Nicholas of Bari. Inside, on the main alter, you can admire a painting from the late 18th century by the Gaspare Testone, depicting  the Madonna of the Rosary with the Infant Jesus, Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena.  Near the entrance a plaque decorated with noble motifs decorates the tomb of the Baron Girolamo Turano Campello who died in 1759, a devoted and worthy man, who actively contributed to the construction of the Mother Church.

The Baron’s tombstone and remains, as well as other noble tombs of the time, were originally incorporated in the floor of the church. Unfortunately the devastating earthquake of 1968 and subsequent inadequate works have destroyed the others.  Baron Turano Campello administered the city of Ribera and was also governor of the confraternity of The Holy Rosary.  In fact, at the time of the exhumation for the relocation of the plaque, his body was found wrapped in a tunic with a brown colored lining, traditionally used by the members of the confraternity.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is a small jewel of the late Baroque also known as the Church of the Holy Souls of Purgatory by virtue of the beautiful painting of the Immaculate Conception, by Francesco Trisca, which depicts the Madonna while comforting the sufferings  of the souls of Purgatory bringing the light of Paradise.

The coastal hamlet of Borgo Bonsignore, just outside town, gives access to the coast and to the Nature Reserve of the Foce del Platani. If you are looking for a beautiful beach close to Ribera, then go to Secca Grande.