Arab-Baroque town

The prevailing architectural style of Naro is Baroque – known precisely as “Naro Baroque” for its distinctive features – but the town has its roots in Arab culture: it was the Moors who built its majestic castle. Naro is rich in history: several catacombs and Roman villas have been found here, evidence of the first early Christian settlements, among which the Grotta delle Meraviglie is worth mentioning. The Sanctuary of San Calogero, the town’s black patron saint, is also well worth a visit: from the crypt you can reach the cave where the saint lived as a hermit. On the hill overlooking the town stands the Chiaramonte Castle, built in the 14th century and a national monument since 1912. Frederick III of Aragon fortified the existing Swabian structure, and tradition credits him with building the imposing square tower in 1330. The itinerary includes the Baroque churches of Santissimo Salvatore, San Nicola di Bari, the Mother Church, the former Jesuit college and San Calogero. It is especially evocative to visit during the ten-day patron saint’s festival, with processions and artistic and cultural events. The town is also mentioned by Leonardo Sciascia in his book “Kermesse” and in Simonetta Agnello Hornby’s “Il veleno dell’oleandro”.