The Sclafani coat of arms is divided in half and bears two cranes facing one another, inversely colored in Argent to signify peace, and Sable to represent jewels, specifically diamond. An eagle is displayed with a Count's crown of Or signifying the family's noble heritage. Crane - Longevity, loyalty, vigilance. Eagle - One of noble nature, strength, bravery, and alertness; one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, judicious, true magnanimity and strength of mind. Wings displayed signifies protection.
History
The surname "Sclafani" is derived from the Greek "Aesculapii fanum," meaning "Sacred to the god Aesculapius," the Roman god of medicine, implying the Sclafani family has been gifted in the field of medicine and healing since the name's origin. Further, ancient thermal healing baths were created and still standtoday in a city founded by the family, Sclafani Bagni. The Greek version of the surname Sclafani, "Sclavounos", can be located in the "Dictionnaire Historique et Généalogique des Grandes Familles de Grèce", a book which contains information about Greek nobility. The exact surname "Sclafani" can be found in the "Dizionario Storico Blasonico", an armorial of noble Italian family lineages. Giovanni Sclifano was given a castle, Castello Megerio, and its territory by King William I of Sicily to show his gratitude for having Giovanni's support in the conspiracy of Matthew Bonello. A son of Giovanni, Goffredo Sclifano, founded a monastery in Lentini around the year 1185. Another Sclafani of historical importance is Matteo Sclafani, a powerful baron of the time who became the first Count of Adernò in 1303, and Count and Lord of Sclafani in 1330. Aside from being involved with the Knights Templar, he built many palaces and cathedrals throughout Italy including a magnificent royal palace in Palermo, Palazzo Sclafani, the monastery of Santa Chiara in 1341, the church of Sant'Agostino, and of S. Niccolò dell'Albergaria. He died in the year 1354, in Castle Pietrarossa, Caltanissetta. Due to lack of male heirs, some the family's fortune of that time was passed to the Moncada family.
Cities
Cities bearing the name Sclafani: Sclafani Bagni Official Site Elevation: 811 meters Land Area: 135,06 km2 Economy: agriculture, thermal station Population: 506 Population name: Sclafanese Chiusa Sclafani Official Site Elevation: 614 meters Land Area: 58 km2 Economy: agriculture, stock-breeding, timber Population: 3.302 Population name: Chiusino Cities with a large population of Sclafani: Sciacca Official Site Elevation: 60 meters Land Area: 191,0 km2 Economy: agriculture, fishing, summer tourism, shipbuilding Population: 40.240 Population name: Saccense Palermo Official Site Elevation: 29 meters Land Area: 158,88 km2 Economy: agriculture, industries, handicraft, commerce and trade, tourism, services Population: 686.722 Population name: Palermitano
