Bagheria

Infobox CityIT
img_coa = Bagheria-Stemma.png official_name = Comune di Bagheria
region = Sicily
province = Palermo (PA)
elevation_m = 76
area_total_km2 = 29
population_as_of = December 31, 2004]
population_total = 53381
population_density_km2 =1735
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|38|05|N|13|30|E
frazioni = Aspra
telephone = 091
postalcode = 90011
gentilic = Bagheresi ("Bagarioti" in Sicilian, "Baarioti" or "Baharioti" locally)
saint = San Giuseppe
day = March 19
mayor =
website = [http://www.comune.bagheria.pa.it]

Bagheria ("Bagarìa" in Sicilian, "Baarìa" or "Baharìa" in the local dialect) is a town in the Province of Palermo in Sicily, Italy.

History

In 1658 Giuseppe Branciforti, Prince of Butera, a former Viceroy of Sicily retired here and built a large villa. In 1769 one of the Prince's descendants redesigned the former village into a well planned Baroque town, it immediately became a fashionable resort, and many villas in the popular Sicilian Baroque style were built.

Etymology

According to some sources, the name "Bagheria" originates from the Phoenician term "Bayharia" meaning "land that descends toward the sea." Other sources claim that it derives from the Arabic "Bāb al-Gerib", or "windy gateway."

Main sights

*Villa Palagonia, renowned for its complex external staircase, curved façades, and marble. Designed by Tomasso Napoli, it is today open to the public.

*Other notable building include Villa Butera, Villa Valguarnera, Villa Trabia, Villa Cattolica, Villa Cuto, Villa Spedalotto, Villa San Cataldo, Villa Villarosa, Villa San Marco, Villa Filangeri, Villa Sant'Isidoro, Villa Ramacca, Villa Serradifalco, Villa Larderia, Villa Campofranco.

Religion

Although the official feast day of St. Joseph, the town's patron saint, is March 19, it's celebrated in Bagheria the first Sunday of August; religious celebrations are held throughout the week leading up to Sunday, when more solemn ceremonies are initiated; the following Monday evening festivities conclude with a fireworks display.

Culture

Bagheria was the birthplace of many well-known 20th century figures: poet Ignazio Buttitta, photographer Ferdinando Scianna, artists Renato Guttuso and Nino Garajo, and film director Giuseppe Tornatore.