Salaparuta

The ancient centre of Salaparuta, at 385 meters above sea level, was destroyed by the violent earthquake of January 1968 which devastated the entire Belice Valley. 

The ruins of the historical town are still visible today in memory of this tragic event. 

In particular, as we reach it, we walk along the old layout, where we can see the remains of the houses, the ruins of the Castle, built by the Paruta family, from which the village was named Salaparuta in the 16th century.  

The walls of the Mother Church, dating back to the Baroque period, and the former convent of the Capuchins of the 18th century are also visible. 

Today in the new Matrix of the town of Salaparuta are preserved some works saved from the earthquake: a statue of ‘400 of S. Caterina of Alessandria, attributed to Bianca princess of Navarra, a valuable Crucifix (1755) of Fra Benedetto Valenza, placed on the high altar, and the Madonna with Child sitting on a pear tree, at whose feet are kneeling San Giovanni Battista and San Nicolò of Bari, work of Piraino (sec. XVI).