Buccheri is a small medieval hill village in the Hyblaean Mountains, set on the slopes of Monte Lauro in the province of Syracuse. Known as the highest municipality in the Syracuse area, it has a mountain character shaped by altitude, woodland and open views across eastern Sicily.
Its name is said to derive from *Bous* and *Hera*, a reference to ancient pastures linked to the goddess Hera. The surrounding area preserves the memory of many historical layers, from Siculi, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Arab presence to the Norman period, when the fortified settlement became part of a wider medieval landscape.
The older village grew around a hilltop stronghold and later developed as an important trading centre, before the earthquake of 1693 destroyed the settlement and led to reconstruction lower in the valley. Today, Buccheri’s identity rests on this contrast between mountain village, post-earthquake town and long-inhabited frontier of the Monti Iblei, giving it a distinct place among the inland communities of south-eastern Sicily.
Patron Saint:
Saint Ambrose (Sant’Ambrogio) – 7 December
Nearest Airport:
Comiso (Pio La Torre) – (45 km, 00:55)
Neighboring Cities:
Buscemi, Carlentini, Ferla, Francofonte, Giarratana, Vizzini
Attractions in Buccheri
Art and Architecture
Chiesa Madre di Sant’Ambrogio: Completed in 1798 in a Neoclassical style, the church stands on the site of the former Chiesa della Trinità. Its artworks include a wooden statue of Sant’Ambrogio made by Gaetano Franzese in 1779.
Chiesa di Sant’Antonio: A broad staircase leads up to this church, which occupies an elevated position above the town. Inside are paintings by the Flemish artist Guglielmo Borremans.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena: On Via Vittorio Emanuele, this Baroque church houses a statue of Mary Magdalene carved by Antonello Gagini in 1508.
Fontana dei Quattro Canali: This 16th-century fountain in Piazza Roma is made entirely from lava stone.
Grotta di San Nicola: This rock-cut Christian church preserves old frescoes within its excavated interior.
Chiesa del Crocifisso: Set on a hill, this church is a focal point of Buccheri’s Via Crucis.
Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie: The sanctuary stands in pine woodland outside the built-up centre. Its altar was transferred from the small church of Santa Maria di Fontana Murata.
Chiesa di Sant’Andrea: About eight kilometres from Buccheri towards Lentini, this historic church has a single nave. Its original entrances were arranged separately for monks on the western side and the congregation on the northern side.
Castles
Buccheri Castle: Remains of the castle survive on Colle Tereo, around which the early village developed. The Normans transformed an earlier Arab fortification, adding two towers and a central keep.
Nature Sites
Bosco di Santa Maria: This woodland near Buccheri has a panoramic path through its pine trees, with views towards the Catania plain and Mount Etna.
Monte Lauro: The plateau above Buccheri retains historic neviere, structures used to store snow until the 1950s. These surviving features connect the mountain landscape with a former local trade.
Gole della Stretta: The San Leonardo river passes through this narrow karst gorge near Buccheri. Rock-cut dwellings and prehistoric oven-shaped tombs associated with the Castelluccio culture are among its features.
Things to Do in Buccheri
Traditional Events
Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate: This January religious celebration includes a procession carrying the saint’s statue through Buccheri.
Settimana Santa: Holy Week traditions begin on Holy Wednesday with the procession do Patri Abbunnanzia and the blessing of fields and crops. Other observances include the Good Friday procession from Santa Maria Maddalena, the costumed Passion performance “U Passiu Santu”, narrated in Sicilian verse, and the Easter Sunday meeting of the risen Christ and the Madonna, known as “’A ‘ncranata”.
MedFest: Held in August, this medieval re-enactment festival takes place alongside the Festival dei Tamburi, which brings together groups of drummers from across Italy.
Festa di Maria SS. delle Grazie: Celebrated on the first Sunday in September, the feast includes a procession and the transfer of the statue from its sanctuary to the Chiesa Madre. It remains there until the octave, when a torchlit procession accompanies its return to the sanctuary.
Festa di Sant’Ambrogio: The celebration on 7 December includes a solemn Mass in the Chiesa Madre.
Museums
Museo degli Antichi Mestieri: The museum focuses on traditional crafts and rural life, with tools and objects associated with older occupations.
Traditional Food
Tonda Iblea Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil made from Tonda Iblea olives is one of Buccheri’s characteristic local products.
Traditional Olive Preparations: Buccheri’s black olives are cured with dry salt. Another preparation, olive a puddhasceddha, uses crushed olives seasoned with garlic, mint, vinegar and oil.
Favi Liezzi: This traditional dish consists of cooked broad beans seasoned with vegetables and spices.
Cuddhuruni: These local flatbreads are flavoured with olive oil, oregano, chilli and basil.
Funciddi: Buccheri’s traditional nut biscuits include almonds and honey.