Borghi dei Tesori Fest – Giuliana
The Norman village opens its doors between the castle of Frederick II and historical costume re-enactments
About Borghi dei Tesori – Giuliana
A Sicani village that reveals itself
Perched on the Sicani Mountains in the province of Palermo, Giuliana is one of those villages you usually pass through in a hurry, but which, during the Borghi dei Tesori Fest, decides to tell its full story. For a weekend in May, the doors of palaces, churches, and courtyards that are usually closed open to visitors, accompanied by local guides and volunteers. It is the widespread festival created by the Le Vie dei Tesori Foundation, which every spring connects dozens of small Sicilian municipalities in a relay of extraordinary openings.
The Castle of Frederick II and the re-enactments
The heart of the Giuliana experience is the Castle of Frederick II, a fortress that dominates the town and whose spectacular courtyard is open for visits. It is here that the village stages its stories: knights and ladies in costume, medieval atmospheres, and re-enactments that weave local history with popular devotion. Among the places to discover is the Church of the Carmine, which houses a small and precious alabaster Madonna linked to the community's religious memory.
A theatrical route through three villages
Giuliana is not alone: together with the neighboring Chiusa Sclafani and Bisacquino, it builds a theatrical route that unites the three towns in a single narrative, blending history, legend, and local products. The common thread is that of the "miraculous dialogue": costume re-enactments bring to life episodes of tradition, such as the miracle of 1837, when the Madonna dell'Udienza is said to have freed the village from cholera. You can visit all three villages with a single coupon, moving around in complete autonomy and at your own pace.
When and how
The festival takes place over several weekends in May throughout Sicily; Giuliana participates in one of these weekends, with the theatrical experience concentrated mainly on Sunday. Access works through the classic Le Vie dei Tesori coupon system: you purchase a pack of visits and spend them among the sites in the circuit. For those who want to get to know the lesser-known Sicily – that of the Sicani Mountains villages, between Palermo, Agrigento, and Trapani – it is one of the best opportunities of the year.
Borghi dei Tesori – Giuliana — edition 2026
2026 Edition in Giuliana
The sixth edition of the Borghi dei Tesori Fest takes place in Sicily from May 9 to 24, 2026, over three weekends and twenty-five small municipalities. Giuliana is part of the third and final weekend, Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, along with other villages in the province of Palermo and the Sicilian hinterland.
The village presents itself with the evocative courtyard of the Castle of Frederick II, where knights and ladies in costume re-enact the miracle of 1837: according to tradition, the Madonna dell'Udienza freed Giuliana from cholera. In the Church of the Carmine, you can admire the small alabaster Madonna.
Giuliana, Chiusa Sclafani, and Bisacquino are united in a single theatrical route on the theme of the "miraculous dialogue," which concludes with a tasting of farm-to-table products. The experience is available on Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00; the three villages can be visited with a single coupon, moving independently.
Programme Borghi dei Tesori – Giuliana 2026
Sunday, May 24
- 10:00 – 16:00 — Theatrical route "the miraculous dialogue" between Giuliana, Chiusa Sclafani, and Bisacquino, with local products
- Courtyard of the Castle of Frederick II — costume re-enactment of the 1837 miracle (Madonna dell'Udienza freeing the village from cholera), with knights and ladies
- Church of the Carmine — visit to the alabaster Madonna
Visits and experiences in other villages of the weekend (Bisacquino, Cassaro, Chiusa Sclafani, Frazzanò, Licodia Eubea, Montevago, Partanna, Prizzi, San Mauro Castelverde, Sant'Angelo Muxaro) are accessible with the same coupon system.
Highlights Borghi dei Tesori – Giuliana 2026
Prices Borghi dei Tesori – Giuliana 2026
Practical information — Borghi dei Tesori – Giuliana
How to get there
Giuliana can be reached by car from the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway (exit towards the Sicani Mountains) or from the SS624 Palermo-Sciacca road, continuing along the inland provincial roads. The village is about an hour and a half from Palermo. It is not directly served by rail: a car is the most convenient means of transport.
Tickets and coupons
Entry to the sites is managed through the Le Vie dei Tesori coupon system: a 3-euro coupon for a single visit, 10 euros for four visits, and 18 euros for ten visits, which can also be spent between Giuliana, Chiusa Sclafani, and Bisacquino. Reservations and details at www.leviedeitesori.com.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes: the village is hilly and the experience involves walking between the castle, churches, and alleyways. Take advantage of the day to taste the local farm-to-table products offered along the route.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Borghi dei Tesori – Giuliana
Castello di Federico II
Cortile del Castello di Federico II, 90030 Giuliana