This Little-Known Medieval Village Was Ranked One Of The Most Beautiful In All Of Italy

Many medieval villages in Italy are beautiful, and many are proclaimed to be the most beautiful. However, the enchanting village of Gangi, located in the Madonie Mountains in Sicily's hinterlands, can say confidently and with proof that it really is one of the most beautiful. In 2014, it was awarded the prestigious title of "Il Borgo dei Borghi" (The Village of Villages), solidifying its reputation as a hidden gem worth discovering.

It has also made headlines for being one of the towns offering 1 euro homes for sale in Italy. Little change happens in medieval villages, so chances are, everything is just as beautiful now as it was in 2014 and even before. Gangi has roots that trace back to ancient times. Legends say that the mythical city of Engyon, a Cretan colony dating back to around 1,200 B.C., once existed where Gangi is today. After some Roman interventions and a Vesper rebel war in the 13th century, Gangi was rebuilt in the 1300s.

Today, as it did then, perched on a foggy hilltop, Gangi offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, with the rugged peaks of the Madonie Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. As you wander through the village's narrow, winding streets, you step back in time with little in the way of modern development to detract from its historic charm. Many of Gangi's stacked stone buildings date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, featuring colorful exteriors, ornate doorways, and tiled roofs.

Gangi has some impressive churches, including the Chiesa Madre (Mother Church), also known as San Nicolò di Bari. The 14th-century church houses some impressive artworks, like "The Final Judgement," a masterpiece by Giuseppe Salerno, along with statues by local sculptor Filippo Quattrocchi. Adjacent to the church is the gothic Ventimiglia Tower. However, on the lower floor of the church is where you can indulge in your dark side. There's a crypt called "A Fossa di Parrini" (The Crypt of the Priests), which holds the bodies of church dignitaries mummified in a unique procedure that involves preserving their faces using wax. Other local sites worth checking out include the Popolo Square, Ventimiglia Castle, plus Palazzo Bongiorno and Palazzo Sgadari. 

The town's calendar is filled with festivals and events that celebrate its history and culture. One of the most notable is the mythological extravaganza called "Sagra Della Spiga Di Gangi," which happens annually on the second Sunday of August. This rural pagan celebration honors Demeter (the Ancient Greek goddess of harvest) and involves parades, performances, ritual foods, and much more. Another highlight is "Festa dei Burgisi" (Feast of the Burgisi), a Christian celebration of thanks imbued with symbolism — it happens on the first Sunday of August every year. Regional delicacies you should try — that are often served during Gangi's various festivities — include u fasciddatu (a type of circular bread), taralli (cracker made with eggs, sugar, and flour), and mastacuttè (biscuits made with prickly pear juice). 

Gangi's location in the Madonie Mountains makes it easy to venture out and explore the beauty of Sicily's interior. Madonie Regional Natural Park, a short drive from the village, is one of Sicily's most important protected areas. Hiking is a popular activity in the 40,000-hectare park, whether you're after a leisurely forest stroll or a rough climb to the summit of Pizzo Carbonara 6,500-feet above sea level, which is the highest peak in the Madonie range and the second highest in Sicily (only after the notorious volcano Mount Etna, which you can actually see from Gangi). Explore the park's rich biodiversity (including 1,000-year-old oaks and endemic species), interesting geological formations, and charming local villages scattered throughout (like Cefalù, Sperlinga, Castelbuono, and Petralia Sottana, among others). 

Reaching Gangi requires some effort, but the journey will be well worth it. The village is located about 75 miles southeast of Palermo, Sicily's capital, and is most easily accessed by car (here are some tips on how to choose the best rental car for your vacation). The scenic drive will take you through the countryside, with rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. While Gangi is off the beaten path, it's the place to go if you're looking for an authentic Sicilian experience away from the crowds. Stay a night or two; the village offers several charming accommodations, like cozy B&Bs and hotels in restored historic buildings.