The route begins in Raffadali, in Piazza Progresso, where the Prince’s Palace, traditionally called Montaperto Castle, is located. The oldest structure dates back to the 14th century. In 1507 Pietro Montaperto, lord of Raffadali, obtained from King Ferdinand the licentia populandi, a concession that in the kingdom of Sicily consisted of the privilege of populating a fiefdom. As a result of this, Peter Montaperto had the castle consolidated on the knoll, at the foot of which a village arose.

The original structure of the castle was four-sided and had four towers placed at the corners, with imposing ramparts and an inner courtyard. The complex was surrounded by a moat. In addition to being the center of seigniorial power in the fiefdom, the castle also served a defensive function against raids by Barbary corsairs. When the phenomenon of piracy lost intensity, the castle changed its purpose from a fortress to a stately palace. Niccolò Montaperto initiated major modernization works so as to make the castle more comfortable. Windows were opened in the walls, and halls decorated with frescoes were created. The moat, drawbridge, and battlements were, in addition, eliminated. The inner courtyard housed a garden.

About 50 meters away on the National Street frontage is the Mother Church. built beginning in 1507 and dedicated to Our Lady of the Sick: the parish of St. Olive and the archpriesthood moved there in 1608 from the old mother church dedicated to St. Olive, which has now disappeared. It houses Raffadali’s sarcophagus with Rape of Proserpine and a 16th-century wooden statue of Mary Most Holy of the Infirm with Child.

Continuing on National Road SS118 for 600 meters, turn right and onto Via Dante Alighieri/SP17 and continue in the direction of Aragona for 9.5 kilometers. Turn right onto Via Luigi Burgio Naselli and after 140 meters turn left onto Piazza Indipendenza, where the Palazzo Principe Naselli is located.

The Prince Naselli Palace dates back to the 18th century and has a typical noble structure. It was named after Baldassare Naselli Branciforti, the prince of the area at the time, and the person who commissioned its construction. Inside you can admire the numerous frescoes and the ancient picture gallery that houses several works of great cultural value to the area. Currently, the building is home to the area’s city hall and women’s orphanage.

At the end of the street turn right onto Via Vittorio Emanuele, and after 100 meters turn left onto Via Garibaldi and back onto Via Mazzini. After about 200 meters we will have arrived at the fourth point of interest on the itinerary, the Purgatory Church.

From the previous point of interest, the Palazzo Principe Naselli, you can immediately get to the fifth point of interest, Palazzo Rotulo, which is located by walking down Via Vittorio Emanuele for 250 meters.

Turning left and proceeding for 180 meters you will reachCalvary Oratory.