If you are passionate about architecture and unusual places, you cannot miss a visit to Borgo Parrini, a small village located in the municipality of Partinico, about 50 km from Palermo.
This village has the peculiarity of being decorated with motifs and colors that recall the style of the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudì, the genius of modernism who left his mark on many works in Barcelona. In this article we will tell you the history, the curiosities and the attractions of this unique village.
The history of Borgo Parrini
Borgo Parrini has an ancient history and is a village almost abandoned, where less than 20 people live. Its origins date back to the beginning of the 17th century, when the fathers of the Novitiate of the Jesuits of Palermo (the parrini, in fact) decided to buy some agricultural lands near the village of Partinico. Here they built a church dedicated to Maria SS. del Rosario and some houses for the peasants who worked the land. The village was a quiet and isolated place, until Giuseppe Gaglio arrived, an inhabitant of the village who had an original and creative vision.
Giuseppe Gaglio was passionate about art and architecture and had visited Barcelona, being fascinated by the works of Gaudì. So he decided to transform the village into a tribute to his idol, decorating the facades of the houses with colorful majolica, mural paintings, famous quotes and naturalistic elements. His goal was to revive the village and make it a tourist and cultural destination. With the help of the inhabitants and some local artists, Giuseppe Gaglio realized his dream, creating a magical and surreal atmosphere.
The attractions of Borgo Parrini
Borgo Parrini is a place that amazes and enchants visitors with its bright colors and fanciful shapes. Each house has its own personality and tells a story. Some are inspired by the most famous works of Gaudì, such as Casa Batlló or Casa Milà, others are dedicated to historical or artistic characters, such as Gandhi, Dante Alighieri, Mother Teresa of Calcutta or Frida Kahlo. Others are decorated with geometric, floral or animal motifs.
The village can be visited freely, walking through the streets and admiring the details of the houses. Some houses are open to the public (with a small offer of 1 euro) and you can see the interiors restored with the same external style. In addition, in the village there is also a literary café where cultural events are organized and you can taste typical local products.
How to get there
Borgo Parrini is located in the territory of Partinico, a municipality in the province of Palermo that is about 50 km from the Sicilian capital. To reach the village you can use the car or public transport.
By car you can take the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway and exit at Partinico. From here follow the provincial road 17 for about 2 km until you reach the junction for Borgo Parrini.
By train you can arrive at Partinico station, which is on the Palermo-Trapani line. From here you can continue on foot for about 2 km or take a taxi or a local bus.
By bus you can use the Palermo-Partinico line of Prestia e Comandè company, which has a frequency of about an hour. From Partinico you can then reach the village on foot or by other means.
Why visit Borgo Parrini
Borgo Parrini is an ideal destination for those who love art, culture and nature. The village offers in fact the possibility to discover a unique and original architectural style, which is inspired by one of the greatest masters of modernism. The village is also a place of peace and harmony, where you breathe a poetic and suggestive atmosphere. The village is also immersed in a rural and hilly landscape, where you can take beautiful walks among olive trees and vineyards.
Borgo Parrini is therefore a must-see stop for those who want to know a different and surprising Sicily, which knows how to mix tradition and innovation, history and fantasy, art and nature. A village that will make you dream and leave you an unforgettable memory.
