CENTRE OF LOCAL CULTURE MENFI

CENTRE OF LOCAL CULTURE

MENFI

DESCRIPTION

Menfi is a town with 13,000 inhabitants in the province of Agrigento.It is situated on a hilly plateau at 119 meters above sea level along the south-west coast of Sicily, between the archaeological sites of Selinunte and Eraclea Minoa. The coastal strip, which borders the Mediterranean Sea, extends for 10 km and is characterized by a sandy beach with the presence of the natural phenomenon of the dunes. Menfi rises as rural village in 1638, but since the Bronze Age was involved in human settlements such as Sicilian, Roman, Arab, Normans, Swabian, French, Spanish... Testimonies of their passage are found: in the Archaeological site of Montagnoli; in the recent discovery of the Roman-Byzantine Necropolis under the pavement of Palazzo Pignatelli; in the remains of the Castello Svevo built by Frederick II after the expulsion of the Arabs and of the urban 1600 implant checkerboard. During the earthquake of January 1968, the town was badly damaged, but despite its wounds, today Menfi presents itself with new suburbs and new monuments. Menfi is well known as member of  the National Association of Wine Cities. In addition to the vines that have always been a constant presence in the territory, Menfi also offers agricultural wealth such as, oil, artichokes, melons and prickly pear.

PLACES OF GREAT INTEREST

● Malacological and Archaeological Museum Palazzo Pignatelli.

● Necropolis pavement of Palazzo Pignatelli of Roman-Byzantine.

● Nature Reserve Foce del Belìce, Capparrina e Giache Bianche.

● Seaside village of Porto Palo awarded several times by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) with the Blue Flag for the quality and clarity of the water and environmental conservation.

● Archaelogical Parck of Selinunte, Cave di Cusa, Segesta, Eraclea Minoa, Monte Adranone.

TOURISTIC SERVICES

● Kitchen lessons, where the guests can realize recipes using typical local products.

● Handicraft productions, observe the production of local artifacts and participate directly in their making.

● Songs and local dances, drawn from folk music, immersed in popular traditions, attenddances.

● Typical dinner with local products.

● Overnight stays in private houses.

● Tour of the town, in order to appreciate the heritage and local life.

● Bike Lane Menfi-Porto Palo, 7 km  on foot or by bike in a protected route, nestled in a natural landscape.

● Flying experience, chance to soar with the hang-glider or micro-light accompanied by qualified instructors.

● Full immersion, in complete safety with the assistance of an instructor and with the possibility to rent equipment.

ORGANIZED TOURS FROM MENFI LED BY THE CLC (half or full day)

● Tour of the palaces, churches and 1600 courtyards.

● Tour in the nature reserves of Menfi.

● Tour among the Doric temples of Selinunte.

● Enjoying the beautiful sunny shores near Menfi with an evening in the town meeting the local people.

EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES NOT TO MISS

● Inycon; last week of June, an exhibition is dedicated to wine of quality, accompanied by music, shows and tastings.

● Vineyard tour; first week of September, is experienced the harvest Europe's largest tasting wine and food from  farm kitchens.

● Goblets of stars; August 10, the night of the shooting stars, a unique evening to taste quality wines is organized.

● Planeta Sunday in the vineyard; Appointment full of wine, typical products, music and art organized in a Sunday in May.

●Extra virgin olive oil Menfi; in the first week of October, is performed an event dedicated to extra virgin olive oil of the territory, in the full period of the olive harvest.

● Festival of San Giuseppe; in the second weekend of August, the traditional festival in honor of the Patriarch St. Joseph takes place with shows, music, dances and ends with a Holy  procession  and firework display.

● Visit the cemeteries; every Holy Thursday in all the churches,  the traditional visit to the cemeteries is repeated with the decorations called "lavureddi".

● Easter Encounter; Easter Sunday at 12.00 o'clock, the statues of St. Michael the Archangel, of the Risen Christ and the Virgin Mary are carried on the shoulders in the historical city centre to announce the resurrection of Christ.