Cassaro, Sicily
Cassaro is a town and comune in the Province of Syracuse, in the Italiani region of Sicily. The name of Cassaro probably derives from the Latin word castrum, meaning 'castle', 'fort' or 'military camp', 'castle', via Arabic qaṣr. Cassaro is from Ragusa and west of the city of Siracusa. Cassaro has 859 inhabitants.
History
According to Barberi's Capibrevi, in the Middle Ages the town belonged to the Spadafora family. Margherita Moleti Spadafora married Baron Pietro Siracusa, who belonged to one of the oldest families in the town of Noto and was also Baron of Monastero and Xiridia. The Siracusa dynasty is of Spanish origin, documented in Sicily since 1283. Members of this Family has been also the lords of Collesano, counts of Villalta and dukes of Casteldimirto. Records are in the State Archive of Palermo. Beatrice Siracusa, the only daughter of the above-mentioned Pietro and Margherita Siracusa married Pietro Gaetani, Baron of Sortino. Beatrice died with her son Guido during the earthquake of 1452. Their possessions passed to her son Cesare, ancestor of the actual Princes of Cassaro. The current princess is Sara Tononi.Main sights
Sights in Cassaro include the Mother Church, dedicated to Saint Peter, and the Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot.Traditions and folklore
- Palm Sunday
- Easter festivities:
- * Good Friday: Scisa 'â cruci and procession of the Addolorata
- * Holy Saturday: procession of the Madonna in search of her Son
- A risùscita
- Easter Sunday: U Scontru
- Feast of the patron saint
- Epiphany: "The three kings"