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 CUSTONACI

Custonaci is really a farming town where the quarrying and processing of marble, especially Sicilian pearl, is currently the dominant economic activity and indeed the town is the leading marble pole on the island. The town's territory also comprises the high peak of Mt Sparagio and is dotted with several caves of geological and palaeontological interest; these include Grotta Mangiapane, of karst and marine formation with huge caves that narrow towards the interior and have a large aperture, 8om high and 70 deep. The design of the urban settlement dates from the 18th century, when it developed around an existing sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna di Custonaci, a pilgrim destination as early as the 14th century; the church was built over several epochs, which explains the co-existence of different architectural styles.

The image of the Madonna is portrayed in a fine 16th-century paintini attributed to Fra' Ludovico Zichichi.

Another charming feature is the numerous "bagli", these were the living quarters that housed the farm workers and are notable for having a square inner courtyard; the baglio Cofano and that of the Grotta Mangiapane represent a variation on the theme because they have communicating courtyards enclosed by low dry walls.

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