The ancient Badia

Our History

Our agricultural holding "Arance della Badia" takes its name from the origins of this suggestive and particular place.

The area where the production of our citrus grove is concentrated is in fact a lost place in time, an area characterized by a unique biodiversity in the Sicilian territory, with a rare and particular flora and fauna.

Immersed in the plains of the Ibleian plank, stand out the hills once occupied the medieval village of Occhiolà, an agglomeration of humble rural houses, churches, abbeys and a large castle that occupied an estimated area of 1,300 square meters.

On 11 January 1693 a terrible earthquake hit 1/3 of Sicily destroying much of the Val di Noto and razed to the ground the village of Occhiolà.

Very heavy was the price paid by the ancient village, especially in terms of lives, of the 2900 inhabitants survived only 1400; even the castle despite its imposing outer walls of 1.80m, was almost completely razed to the ground.

After three months from the earthquake, Prince Carlo Maria Carafa Branciforti lord of various possessions including the village of Occhiolà, bottom' a new village in the feud, about 2km from the hill of Occhiolà , "Grammichele".

At the intersection of the six elevations of a hexagonal urban plan made by the prince, is still the main square of the town of Grammichele, where stands an imposing bronze statue 2.20m high dedicated to Prince Carlo Maria Carafa Branciforti.

La Badia, a monastery located about 2 km from the town of Occhiolà, was born in what was once the small medieval village then destroyed by the earthquake.

After the unification of Italy all church property was expropriated by the state and sold.

This property was acquired by an important family of Grammichele, who owned it until 1980, when it was taken over by my family.

Today this ancient abbey is surrounded by a citrus grove cultivated with love and natural methods.

The oranges and other fruit and vegetable products of this land, are now available to be purchased online, through this site.