Blufi
Origins of my LoDico Ancestry
Blufi
was a 'frazione' [fraction] of Petralia Soprana
until March of 1972 when it became an independent town.
Blufi is one of the newest communities in the Madonie,
but its historical beginnings are lost in the time.
From the influences of the Arabic culture through the
Knights of Malta and the Sicilian noble families,
Blufi has remained an quiet jewel, nestled in the
Madonie.
Blufi, Sicily 2009
Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Oils - Blufi 2013
The stone crypt in the Sacred Zone - Sanctuary of
the Madonna of the Oils -2013
2013
Blufi is comprised of five 'quartiere' or districts: Vaccarelli, Malpasso, Conigli, Vizzini, and Macelli.
The story of the LoDico ancestry begins in Malpasso. At the end of the 17th century there was one road that went from Catania to Palermo along an ancient pathway first used by the ancient Sicilians. This road was later improved by the Romans and it passed through Blufi in a region called Malpasso [ bad pass ]. This was a dangerous stretch of road known for its steep ravines and high bluffs where criminals and others would attack and rob the travelers. The priests, pilgrimagers, and merchants complained to the Sicilian nobility and asked for protection. The Marchese Pottino who owned most of the land, entered into an agreement with three Sicilian campiere families: the LaTonas, the di Geracis, and the LoDicos. In return for protecting the travelers on the road, the LoDico family was given the land known as Malpasso.
Malpasso Blufi 2005
Malpasso 2005
The
quartiere of Malpasso
Another
deserving place of interest is the 'ponte romano'
or 'Roman Bridge'
- annotated by the Marquis di Villabianca, between the
territory of Blufi and Petralia Sottana.
A
place of innumerable pilgrimages, so much so,
it makes Blufi a centerpiece of the Madonie in importance,
is the "Sanctuary of the " Madonna of the Oils " .
2013
2007
Courtyard of the Sanctuary 2013
2007
From
the stone bluff there flows an ancient and mysterious
source of mineral oil.
Mentioned by Aristotle in one of his scientific works.
The
oil is reported to have the powers to cure afflictions
of the skin.
The
Festival of the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Oils is
celebrated on the 15th of August.
The
faithful come on foot from all corners of the rural
Madonie to listen to the Mass.
A
manuscript, dating back to 1832,
tells the Bourbon government that the Sanctuary's
origins date back to around the eighth century.
It's writings indicate the Sanctuary was built by the
faithful,
subjects of the Reverend Arciprete of Petralia Soprana,
as reported by Father Francesco Ferrara of Petralia in
1762".
2013
Blufi, Sicily
