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The origin of the Branciforte family is from a town called Leonforte at the base of Mt. Etna. Leonforte is a tiny village perched on a hump at about 600 metres enjoying a superb position. The monumental silhouette of Palazzo Branciforte is discernible from a distance, a powerful reminder of the fact that the town was founded in the 17th century by Nicola Placido Branciforte. The building, dated 1611, runs the whole length of one side of the enormous piazza of the same name. The lovely Fountain of Granfonte built by the Branciforte family in 1651 is of particular interest; made of gold-colored stone, it comprises 24 spouts, a series of small pointed arches crowned with a pediment bearing the family coat of arms. The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, built at Ercole Branciforte’s behest, and the Chiesa del Convento dei Cappuccini, wanted by the Brancifortes, too, are Leonforte’s main religious buildings. The latter is especially known for housing a masterpiece by Pietro Novelli depicting the Elezione di San Mattia. Additionally Mazzarino, a medieval hamlet largely developed as a result of the Branciforte family. The main features are collected along the main street Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Alongside the Chiesa Madre is Palazzo Branciforti (17th century) and the contemporary Carmelite church. Just outside the little town, perched up on top of a small hill lie the ruins of the castle with its rather solid impenetrable round keep. No doubt the castle was built on the site of a Norman-Byzanine fortress, was enlarged and reinforced with fortifications during the Norman occupation in the course of the 14th century before being converted into a major residence for its aristocratic owners towards the close of the 15th century. The appositive Lucia was added in honor of the town's homonymous patron saint. The first suburb was part of the Royal property, and in 1645 it was acquired by lord Michele Placido Branciforte, prince of Leonforte. |
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