Elevation 1,011 m (3,317 ft) Area 127.1 km² Local time Friday 9:56 AM | Demonym(s) Gangitani Dialing code 0921 Postal code 90024 Dialling code 0921 | |
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Weather 12°C, Wind NW at 18 km/h, 57% Humidity | ||
Gangi is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Palermo in the Italian region Sicily, located about 80 kilometres (50 mi) southeast of Palermo.
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Map of 90024 Gangi Province of Palermo, Italy
Gangi borders the following municipalities: Alimena, Blufi, Bompietro, Calascibetta, Enna, Geraci Siculo, Nicosia, Petralia Soprana, Sperlinga. The town straddles the Madonie mountains of central Sicily.
History
Gangi's origins have been connected to the ancient Greek city of Engyon, or Hebrita, but this theory remains unconfirmed. Traces of Roman presence are instead testified by archaeological excavations under the Abbey of Gangivecchio ("Old Gangi").
The current settlement dates to 1300, when it was rebuilt on the Monte Marone after its destruction in the course of the Sicilian Vespers war, as part of the county of Geraci. In 1625 it was acquired by the Graffeo family who, four years later, were made Princes of Gangi; in 1677 the title went to the Valguarnera. In the 18th century Gangi was a flourishing cultural centre, with several literary clubs and the construction of notable noble residences.
Later, after the unification of Italy, Gangi was the centre of fierce suppression of brigands who lived in the area. In 1926 it was the location of one of the hardest repression of the Mafia in Italy, carried out by the local prefect Cesare Mori.
In 2014, the local administration under a dynamic mayor began disposing of abandoned houses with some being given away and others being sold for a nominal price. The recipients had to agree to spend at least 35,000 euros on restoration within five years. The giveaway is a means to stimulate tourism-related activities and diversify the local economy, which was primarily dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry. The scheme has proved a great success.
Gangi is also a common Sicilian last name.