Explore Piana degli Albanesi: History, Culture and Flavors

Piana degli Albanesi, rich in history and culture. Visit the Church of San Demetrio, Lake Piana and the Nicola Barbato Museum. Taste local cuisine and stroll through the picturesque old town.
Welcome to Piana degli Albanesi, a town rich in history and culture. The history of Piana degli Albanesi is intertwined with that of the Albanian refugees who fled the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, bringing their culture and traditions with them. It stands in the heart of Sicily and is the largest Arbëresh settlement, for centuries it has hosted the largest Albanian community in Italy. Known until 1941 as the Plain of the Greeks, due to the Greek-Byzantine rite practiced by its inhabitants, today it is the center of the social, cultural and religious life of the Arbëreshe communities of the island. Piana is also the episcopal seat of the Eparchy of Piana degli Albanesi, an integral part of the Italian-Albanian Church, and has preserved its ethnic characteristics intact, from the Albanian language to the Greek-Catholic rite and traditional local customs. A place where history and identity blend into a fascinating unicum. We begin our tour with the majestic Church of San Demetrio, a symbol of the community's faith and spirituality. The richly decorated architecture and sacred icons tell us the religious and cultural history of this place. Through its walls, we can perceive the importance of the Orthodox religion in the daily lives of the inhabitants.
Subsequently, we will head to the Nicola Barbato Civic Museum, an essential stop to fully understand the richness of the local culture. Admiring this Albanian ethnographic exhibition full of traditional clothes, musical instruments and art objects, we can grasp the elements that characterize the life and traditions of this unique community. A short stop at the suggestive Piana degli Albanesi Lake offers us a moment of peace and reflection. This natural place is an integral part of the daily life of residents, offering an escape from the frenzy of the city and an oasis of serenity. Let's now move towards the Portella della Ginestra Massacre Memorial. This commemorative site commemorates the tragic massacre of 1947, a crucial event in Italian history. Through exhibitions and testimonies, immerse yourself in the memory of this event which profoundly shaped the destiny of the country. Finally, we will conclude our tour with a walk in the picturesque historic center, where the narrow streets lead us between ancient stone houses and small artisan shops. Here, among the scent of traditional sweets that wafts through the air, we can delight ourselves with the famous cannoli from Piana degli Albanesi. The encounter with these delicacies allows us to enjoy an authentic taste of the culinary tradition of the area and to appreciate the love and dedication that is put into every single dessert.
The cannoli from Piana degli Albanesi differs mainly in its filling, which makes it unique and iconic within typical Sicilian pastries.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.