Village of Isnello, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy (photo)

The village occupies a fine position clinging to the rock in the middle of a gorge surrounded by high limestone walls. Its narrow streets reveal a medieval layout, typical of Sicily's history. The caves around Isnello have been inhabited since prehistoric times. The name is said to be a derivation of the Arabic 'Hassin', meaning cold water, and the name given by the Arabs to the local river, now known as the Asine. The heart of the little village and amongst Sicily property is Piazza Mazzini just below the castle and where the Mother Church, dedicated to St Nicholas, the patron saint of Isnello, founded in 14th C, is located. It contains frescoes by Antonio Ferraro and a canvas by Giuseppe Salerno, Lo Zoppo di Gangi. It also houses some very impressive stucco work done in 1607 by Giuseppe Li Volsi. Unfortunately it is rarely open except for Mass. The church is a fine example of Sicilian and Italian history and Sicily's famous architecture.