Nestled in the Sicilian countryside, Borgo Schiro is a hauntingly beautiful abandoned village named after a local hero, Schiro. Perched on a small rise, it offers stunning views of the surrounding fields, a testament to the area’s once-thriving agricultural life.
Borgo Schiro was established during the regime of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini as part of his ambitious agricultural reforms aimed at curbing emigration from Sicily. Mussolini envisioned transforming rural areas by introducing urban amenities such as schools, hospitals, and entertainment facilities. He believed that if these services were available, the local population would be encouraged to remain in the countryside, contributing to increased agricultural productivity.
Despite significant investment in this vision, Sicily faced considerable turmoil before and during World War II. The lack of sustained funding led to the closure of essential services, and Borgo Schiro was eventually abandoned, leaving behind a ghost village that speaks to a bygone era.
Today, visitors can wander through the silent streets of Borgo Schiro, peeking into the empty structures that once buzzed with life. The village, like others in the area, reflects the rich cultural heritage of its inhabitants, who are ethnically Albanian. The local dialect, Arberesh, is still spoken in surrounding communities, preserving a unique linguistic tradition.
Know Before You Go: Borgo Schiro is located approximately 23.86 kilometers from the village of Monreale, making it accessible for those wishing to explore a piece of Sicily’s complex history.
