Sutera | |
Official Name: | Comune di Sutera |
Coordinates: | 37.5333°N 57°W |
Region: | Sicily |
Province: | Province of Caltanissetta (CL) |
Mayor: | Giuseppe Grizzanti |
Area Total Km2: | 35.5 |
Population Total: | 1649 |
Population As Of: | Dec. 2004 |
Population Demonym: | Suteresi |
Elevation M: | 590 |
Saint: | Maria Madre di Carmine, St. Paolino and St. Onofrio |
Day: | St. Paolino first Tuesday after Easter. St. Onofrio First Sunday of August |
Postal Code: | 93010 |
Area Code: | 0934 |
Sutera is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Caltanissetta in the Italian region Sicily, located about 70km (40miles) southeast of Palermo and about 30km (20miles) west of Caltanissetta. It is one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia ("The most beautiful villages of Italy").[1] The area is dominated by a large monolithic rock termed "The Mountain of San Paolino". Upon this mountain sits the bones of the patron saints of the town, St. Paolino and St. Onofrio. On the Feast of San Onofrio, almost all those in the town walk to the top of the mountain, as a pilgrimage to the saints. As a surname, Sutera has variations that include Soter, Souter, Suter, Sudder, and Sutar due to Anglo-Saxon influence during the conquest of Italy. The name Sutera derives from the greek word Soter which means 'our salvation'.
Sutera holds the award of "bandiere arancioni"http://www.bandierearancioni.it from the touring club Italiano. Sutera is currently the only place in Sicily to hold this accolade, which is awarded to touristic areas of excellence. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,649 and an area of 35.5km2.[2]
Sutera borders the following municipalities: Acquaviva Platani, Bompensiere, Campofranco, Casteltermini, Milena, Mussomeli.
Sutera is twinned with the Borough of Broxbourne in England.
Recently, the population has had a decrease because of the lack of work in the area. Youngsters had moved away leaving Sutera with mainly elder citizens. However, in the last few years the town has been transformed by the influx of asylum seekers which has saved the local school and boosted the local economy.[3]