SICILY & AMALFI COAST #5: CHARMING CASTELBUONO

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On a hilltop of the Madonie Mountains lies the small medieval village of Castelbuono. The centerpiece of the town is its castle of the same name, which we visited with our group. Owned by the Ventimiglia family, construction began in 1316 and underwent several changes and additions over the years. Currently, the castle houses the Castelbuono Civic Museum and a chapel.

(For all photos, click on the image for a full screen view.)

Ceiling

The village is also known for its working donkeys, used to collect garbage and recycling since the medieval alleys are too narrow for cars. This donkey is 22 years old and has been working with its partner for 18 years.

At Piazza Margherita, the town square, we enjoyed a tasting of locally made panettone, the fruit cake (more like bread) that Italians enjoy at Christmas and other celebrations. Castelbuono panettone is special, because it is made with manna, a sweet sap that comes from nearby ash trees. Not a past fan of panettone, I was a quick convert, because it was right out of the oven and so fresh and moist.

After having time to explore the village on our own, we regrouped for lunch on the patio of Ristorante Nangalaruni, which specializes in dishes with various locally grown mushrooms. The food was fabulous, and the music quite entertaining, especially as performed by the owner’s grandson! He is getting an early start…

Centerpiece display of the mushrooms used in their cooking

Next up: SICILY & AMALFI COAST #6: THE AMAZING MOSAICS OF MONREALE CATHEDRAL

6 thoughts on “SICILY & AMALFI COAST #5: CHARMING CASTELBUONO”

  1. Hi Elaine,I took this trip 10 years ago, it’s nice to relive the trip through your narrative and photos.  Brings it all back to me.Thank you, 😊Deb Steines

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      • Been to Scotland, which I know you’ve done. Also Northern Italy, since I had such a great time in Tuscany and Umbria decided it was a no brainer. Also Ultimate Australia and visited family in New Zealand.

        now here is an interesting one I think you’ll enjoy investigating, doing a month in Paris with a travel company called The Good Life Abroad. They arrange for luxury apartments. Participants all come in on the same day and there are some planned events and a city manager that helps with everyday life and questions. I’m looking forward to being in one location for a month, no hotels, one unpack/pack. I leave August 21-Sept 22.

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      • Northern Italy is another great trip; I blogged about it after going last year. Glad you made it there and to Australia and New Zealand– both wonderful countries!

        We are checking out The Good Life Abroad; thanks for the info! Please let us know how you like it, because we may do something like this in 2026 or 2027. Cheers!

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      • Been to Scotland, which I know you’ve done. Also Northern Italy, since I had such a great time in Tuscany and Umbria decided it was a no brainer. Also Ultimate Australia and visited family in New Zealand.

        now here is an interesting one I think you’ll enjoy investigating, doing a month in Paris with a travel company called The Good Life Abroad. They arrange for luxury apartments. Participants all come in on the same day and there are some planned events and a city manager that helps with everyday life and questions. I’m looking forward to being in one location for a month, no hotels, one unpack/pack. I leave August 21-Sept 22.

        This may be a duplicate email, I don’t think I got it to reply in your website.

        Deb

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