Story and photos by Marco Crupi

Borgo Santa Rita, founded in 1895 in the Caltanissetta region, is a small rural settlement now home to fewer than ten residents. At the heart of its revival is the Forno Santa Rita, opened in 1999 by Maurizio Spinello. This establishment has transformed the hamlet into a destination for enthusiasts of Sicilian artisanal products. Renowned for its naturally leavened bread and handmade pasta, the bakery draws visitors from across Italy, contributing to the local economy and promoting regional traditions.

Panoramic view of Borgo Santa Rita and the surrounding rural landscape.

Borgo Santa Rita, located in the municipality of Caltanissetta, was founded in 1895 by Baron Rosario La Lomia of Canicattì, who acquired approximately 900 hectares between the Pisciacane and Draffù estates. Initially named Borgo Pisciacane, it was renamed Santa Rita in 1930 in honor of Baroness Rita Bordonaro La Lomia. In the 1930s, the hamlet housed around 500 residents and featured a church dedicated to Santa Rita and a rural school, which remained active until the 1970s. However, the latter half of the 20th century saw a gradual depopulation, reducing the population to fewer than ten residents. Despite this decline, recent initiatives such as the Forno Santa Rita have spurred a modest increase in tourism, particularly among those seeking slow tourism experiences.

Borgo Santa Rita, perched on a rocky spur at the base of Monte Pisciacane, showcases the typical rural architecture of central Sicily. The houses, built with local stone, reflect the simplicity and functionality of the agricultural communities of the time. At the center of the hamlet stands the church dedicated to Santa Rita, with its pink façade visible from afar. The church serves as both a spiritual and visual landmark for residents and visitors alike. The surrounding landscape, with its wheat fields, olive groves, and almond orchards, creates a harmonious setting that reflects the area’s agricultural heritage. The elevated position of the hamlet offers panoramic views of the Nissene hills, providing a serene and evocative environment for those looking to immerse themselves in the nature and history of rural Sicily.

The Church of Santa Rita, a symbol of the Sicilian hamlet.

The Church of Santa Rita, built between 1938 and 1942 by Baron Ignazio La Lomia in honor of his wife, Rita Bordonaro, overlooks the hamlet from the top of a staircase. Its pink façade, accompanied by a sharp 25-meter bell tower, is a striking feature visible from a distance, serving as a beacon for the surrounding area. The interior, simple and austere, reflects the characteristic sobriety of Sicilian rural churches, offering a tranquil space for prayer and reflection for both residents and visitors. Preceded by a staircase, the church features a gabled front flanked by a bell tower connected by a lower structure with battlements. The main portal, with its lowered arch, is topped by a small triangular pediment containing a statue of Saint Rita, flanked by two recessed niches. The church underwent restoration between 2005 and 2007, focusing on the façade and liturgical adjustments. Every May, the community celebrates the Feast of Saint Rita, making the church the focal point of the hamlet’s religious and social activities.

Maurizio Spinello.

In 1999, Maurizio Spinello founded the Forno Santa Rita in the eponymous hamlet. Coming from a family of farmers and shepherds, Maurizio learned the art of bread-making from his mother, who baked bread at home to sell alongside milk and eggs. Determined to preserve the nearly abandoned hamlet, he invested in tradition by using ancient Sicilian grains such as Russello, Tumminia, Perciasacchi, and Maiorca, all locally grown and stone-milled.

The bakery produces naturally leavened bread, bronze-drawn pasta, and traditional biscuits, adhering to artisanal methods and promoting sustainability. Maurizio’s mission is to bolster the local economy and safeguard Sicilian bread-making traditions, turning the Forno Santa Rita into a symbol of the hamlet’s revival.

To learn more about Forno Santa Rita, visit the official website: fornosantarita.it.

Borgo Santa Rita, located between the towns of Sommatino and Delia, is best reached by car. From Caltanissetta, San Cataldo, Palermo, or Catania, take the SS 640 highway towards Agrigento. After passing the San Cataldo Scalo and Contrada Favarella exits, continue for about 2 km and turn left, following the signs to Borgo Santa Rita. The route continues along provincial roads that traverse the Sicilian countryside, offering scenic views of the Nissene hills.

It is advisable to check road conditions before traveling, as some roads may be in poor repair.

The Forno Santa Rita is easy to locate and serves as one of the main attractions in the area. Visitors are encouraged to contact the bakery in advance to confirm opening hours and arrange guided tours.