Gangi is a town in the province of Palermo, set on the Marone Mountain. Archaeological excavations in the area have led some scholars to suppose that the ancient Sicelcity of Engyon was situated here, rather than near Nicosia, as others believe. Roman and mediaeval traces have also been found, in the country area of Gangivecchio. The ancient town was destroyed by Frederick II in 1299. The new town of Gangi developed in the 14th century around the castle built by Francesco Ventimiglia, lord of the town. Subsequently, the town passed under the control of the Graffeo and Valguarnera families.
The town, with its typical medieval aspect, is dominated by what remains of the ancient Ventimiglia's castle, built in the XIV century by Francesco I Ventimiglia.
The imposing Ventimiglia Tower is now the bell tower of the Mother Church, dedicated to San Nicolò (XVIII century), where it is possible to admire a wonderful Last Judgment by Giuseppe Salerno.
The Church of Santissimo Salvatore preserves a beautiful crux by Fra' Umile da Petralia and a painting of The Fall of Christ beneath the Cross, attributed to Giuseppe Salerno.
Finally, we also suggest to visit the patrician palaces (Palazzo Bongiorno-Li Destri, Palazzo Mocciaro and Palazzo Sgadari), the XVI century Church of San Paolo (or San Giuseppe dei ricchi), the Sanctuary of Spirito Santo, the mountain of the lion, the Church of Monte, the Church of the Abbey, the Church of San Giovanni, the Church of the Saint Cosma and Damiano and the Town Hall, in neo-gothic style.