Sambuca di Sicilia is top Italian village for 2016

(AGI) Rome, Mar 28 - Sambuca di Sicilia has been named Italy's top village for 2016 in a television competition. The comune of fewer than 6,000 inhabitants, in the Sicilian province of Agrigento, won the nomination during a television broadcast of "Alle Falde del Kilimangiaro" on Rai3 on Easter Day. It is the third Sicilian municipality to win the title - previous winners being Gangi in 2014 and Montalbano Elicona in 2015. Twenty towns - one for each Italian region - are showcased in the competition each year, selected in partnership with the association of Italian villages (Associazione Borghi d'Italia). The most beautiful, interesting and atmospheric village is chosen by public internet vote. This year a jury was also involved: the actress Anna Kanakis, art critic Philippe Daverio and chef Hiroiko Shoda. The official announcement was celebrated by the entire village, with adults and children out in the square watching the broadcast on a mega screen. "It is the sort of recognition every regional government and every citizen aspires to," said the Mayor Leo Ciaccio. "It's not just Sambuca's fine historical, architectural and landscape beauty that is being rewarded, but the endeavours of the community as a whole. The real work begins now. We have a responsibility and a duty to keep the flag flying, to welcome tourists as best we can, to build up economic and artisan activities and to promote Sambuca's image as much as possible outside the region. Special thanks are also due to the mayors of nearby villages, who lent a hand to send us on our way to the final. I am sure the publicity for Sambuca will also boost the rest of the municipalities within the Terre Sicane union, leading to development for the entire region." Sambuca, just a few kilometres from the sea at Menfi, from Sciacca and from the archeological Selinunte Park, has a long history with its roots in the years of Arab domination. It is said that it was founded by the Saracene Emir Zabut, who chose to build his castle on the hill in Sambuca. All signs of his fortress have disappeared, but the Belvedere terrace has been built on its former site, looking out over the surrounding countryside. The Saracene district has remained intact, with its narrow, blind and winding streets, along with little courtyards and "purrere", or subterranean caves, recently brought to light. Its layout is typical of the historic centres of Arab cities. (AGI). .