History of Poggioreale (Sicily): An English Translation of Storia di Poggioreale (Sicilia) by Can. Dr. Francesco Aloisio Hardcover – February 6, 2025

Best known as Sicily’s most famous ghost town, the ruins of Poggioreale on the slopes of Mount Castellazzo overshadow the modern town bearing the same name.Tourists in search of their immigrant family’s heritage and history are naturally drawn to the towns devastated by the 1968 Belice Valley earthquake, particularly Gibellina, Salaparuta, and Poggioreale.Written histories of these small towns are difficult to find, not widely distributed, and available primarily in Italian. In 1954, Poggioreale city leaders invited Can. Dr. Francesco Aloisio to write its history, tracing the ancient origins of Elìmo, now Mount Castellazzo, and documenting the early to mid-20th century advancements of the city.This enhanced English translation of Aloisio’s 1956 publication Storia di Poggioreale (Sicilia), now including original descriptive footnotes and additional Sicilian translation, offers a key to interpreting the ruins of old Poggioreale and provides a fascinating window into the society, customs, language, history, and culture of Poggioreale. It’s an invitation for later generations to become acquainted with the life their ancestors lived and recognize the influences that contributed to who they are today. Read more