San Giovanni Gemini – Itinerary 4 northeastern

The history of the town of San Giovanni Gemini can be traced back to the 15^th century, when it was officially split off from the nearby town of Cammarata. Although the two towns are still separate municipalities, they are actually fused into a single urban area spread out over the slopes of Monte Cammarata: an ideal spot for breeding and fine dairy production such as the Monti Sicani cheeses. There are two noteworthy churches which deserve a visit: the 16th century Chiesa Madre with its precious 17th century wooden crucifix and an 18^th century urn and the Chiesa del Carmine, which dates from the same period but was rebuilt in the 19^th century. The Chiesa del Carmine exhibits a painting by Pietro D’Asaro, a renowned Sicilian “Caravaggista” from Racalmuto. San Giovanni is one of the three towns which give access to the Nature Reserve of Monte Cammarata (with Cammarata and Santo Stefano di Quisquina), an extensive forest on the slopes of the mountains and a must for nature lovers. On the second Sunday of June the town celebrates the Festa del Carro di Gesù Nazareno: an antique procession in which an imposing 20 meter tall triumphal chariot is drawn through the streets by oxen and hundreds of enthusiastic devotees. And while there, don’t forget to taste the local cheeses and traditional cooking.