According to local oral history, which takes as its source scholars of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the habitation would have its origin following the destruction by the Saracens of Crasto and Démena in 855. Following this, a part of the inhabitants transferred to an area more within the valley. The same version of the story is given, moving a little the position of the mythical cities, even for other centers within the Nebrodi Mountain region (for example for Demenna).