Country Italy Demonym(s) Villalbesi Dialing code 0934 Province Province of Caltanissetta Postal code 93010 Dialling code 0934 | Elevation 620 m (2,030 ft) Time zone CET (UTC+1) Area 41.5 km² Local time Monday 3:55 PM Region Sicily | |
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Province / Metropolitan city Province of Caltanissetta (CL) Weather 9°C, Wind SW at 24 km/h, 94% Humidity | ||
Villalba (Sicilian: Villarba) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Caltanissetta in the Italian region Sicily, located about 51 kilometres (32 mi) northwest of Caltanissetta, about 98 kilometres (61 mi) southeast of Palermo and 68 km from Agrigento. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,852 and an area of 41.5 square kilometres (16.0 sq mi). It rises over an internal hilly area, 620 meters above sea-level.
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Map of 93010 Villalba Province of Caltanissetta, Italy
The name Villalba has Spanish origins, and it means "the white city" because of town's white houses. Villalba is known for the cultivation of cereals, grapes, vegetables, tomatoes, and lentils. The Sagra del Pomodoro (tomato festival) is held every year in the month of August.
Villalba borders the following municipalities: Cammarata, Castellana Sicula, Marianopoli, Mussomeli, Petralia Sottana, Polizzi Generosa, Vallelunga Pratameno.
History
Since the 17th century, the fief was owned by the Miccichè family. In 1751, it was acquired by Nicolò Palmieri Calafato, who also obtained the approval to populate the area. The first houses were constructed in 1763.
During the 18th century the town experienced a remarkable urban and architectural growth. There are various important monuments, such as the Chiesa Madre built in 1700, and the Chiesa della Concezione erected in 1795, preserving a statue by artist Filippo Quattrocchi (first half of the 18th century). Noteworthy is the Palace of baron Nicolò Palmieri Morillo, built during the 18th century.