Villalba, Sicily

Villalba
Comune
Comune di Villalba
Villalba

Location of Villalba in Italy

Coordinates: 37°39′N 13°50′E / 37.650°N 13.833°E / 37.650; 13.833Coordinates: 37°39′N 13°50′E / 37.650°N 13.833°E / 37.650; 13.833
Country Italy
Region Sicily
Province Province of Caltanissetta (CL)
Area
  Total 41.5 km2 (16.0 sq mi)
Elevation 620 m (2,030 ft)
Population (Dec. 2004)
  Total 1,852
  Density 45/km2 (120/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Villalbesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 93010
Dialing code 0934
Website Official website

Villalba (Sicilian: Villarba) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Caltanissetta in the Italian region Sicily, located about 51 kilometres (32 mi) northwest of Caltanissetta, about 98 kilometres (61 mi) southeast of Palermo and 68 km from Agrigento. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,852 and an area of 41.5 square kilometres (16.0 sq mi).[1] It rises over an internal hilly area, 620 meters above sea-level.

The name Villalba has Spanish origins, and it means "the white city" because of town's white houses. Villalba is known for the cultivation of cereals, grapes, vegetables, tomatoes, and lentils. The Sagra del Pomodoro (tomato festival) is held every year in the month of August.

Villalba borders the following municipalities: Cammarata, Castellana Sicula, Marianopoli, Mussomeli, Petralia Sottana, Polizzi Generosa, Vallelunga Pratameno.

History

Since the 17th century, the fief was owned by the Miccichè family. In 1751, it was acquired by Nicolò Palmieri Calafato, who also obtained the approval to populate the area.[2] The first houses were constructed in 1763.[3]

During the 18th century the town experienced a remarkable urban and architectural growth. There are various important monuments, such as the Chiesa Madre built in 1700, and the Chiesa della Concezione erected in 1795, preserving a statue by artist Filippo Quattrocchi (first half of the 18th century). Noteworthy is the Palace of baron Nicolò Palmieri Morillo, built during the 18th century.

Demographic evolution

Notable people from Villalba

References

  1. All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.
  2. (Italian) Comune di Villalba: La storia Archived October 15, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
  3. (Italian) Villalba, nel cuore della Sicilia, Guida Sicilia
  4. Leon, Masha (2007-12-27). "A Yiddish Word For All Occasions – The Jewish Daily Forward". Forward.com. Retrieved 2010-07-18.

External links

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