A town with an Albanian and Sicilian soul, the oldest Arbëreshë settlement in Italy
At Contessa Entellina, the Albanian language and traditions are proudly preserved and handed down by the local community Contessa Entellina, in the province of Palermo, is considered the oldest Albanian settlement in Italy. The town too, like other villages in the Piana degli Albanesi – Santa Cristina Gela, Mezzojuso and Palazzo Adriano – was founded by exiles fleeing the Ottoman invasion in 1450. Centuries later, the Albanian cultural, linguistic and religious heritage is still alive, as demonstrated by the use of Arbëreshë, the language of the Italo-Albanian community, and the adoption of the Byzantine religious rite.
Besides this rich intangible Albanian heritage, Contessa Entellina is surrounded by important natural and cultural attractions. Don't miss the Abbey of Santa Maria del Bosco, a monumental complex dating from the 13th century, the medieval castle of Calatamauro, and the fortress of Entella, site of an ancient Elymian city.