Polizzi Generosa
| Polizzi Generosa | ||
|---|---|---|
| — Comune — | ||
| Comune di Polizzi Generosa | ||
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 Polizzi Generosa
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| Coordinates: 37°48′N 13°59′E / 37.800°N 13.983°E | ||
| Country | Italy | |
| Region | Sicily | |
| Province | Palermo (PA) | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor | Salvatore Glorioso (since May 27, 2003) | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 134.33 km2 (51.87 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 917 m (3,009 ft) | |
| Population (December 31, 2004) | ||
| • Total | 4,530 | |
| • Density | 34/km2 (87/sq mi) | |
| Demonym | Polizzani | |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | |
| Postal code | 90028 | |
| Dialing code | 0921 | |
| Patron saint | San Gandolfo | |
| Website | Official website | |
Polizzi Generosa (Sicilian: Pulizzi) is a town and comune (population 4,530) in the Province of Palermo on the island of Sicily, southern Italy. The town sits in the hills at 917 in meters.
History
The site of Polizzi has traces of human presence since the 6th century BC, archaeological findings including coins from Himera, Carthaginian remains and a Hellenistic necropolis. In the 4th century it was a Carthaginian fortress occupied by mercenaries from Campania.
The town probably developed as a population center in the late Middle Ages, growing around the castle built by the Norman Count of Sicily Roger I in 1076.
Notable people
People with connections to Polizzi Generosa include:
- The families of Sicilian Americans such as film directors Martin Scorsese and Antonia Scarpa as well as character actor Vincent Schiavelli, came from the town. Schiavelli was also a food and cookbook writer who wrote about Polizzi Generosa and his roots in Many Beautiful Things: Stories and Recipes from Polizzi Generosa.[1] He was also buried there when he died.
- The writer, journalist and literary critic Giuseppe Antonio Borgese originally came from the town.
- Fashion designer Domenico Dolce, one half of the Dolce & Gabbana clothing company, was born in the town.
- Catholic cardinal Mariano Rampolla was born in Polizzi Generosa.
- Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman to fly in space, was awarded honorary citizenship of Polizzi Generosa.
References
- ^ Many beautiful things : stories and recipes from Polizzi Generosa by Vincent Schiavelli (2002 - ISBN 0-7432-1528-1)
