Villages
nearby to Castelmola
Sicily -
ALÌ
TERME - 27 Km (16 miles) north of
Taormina on the Ionian coast
between Scaletta Zanclea and
Nizza di Sicilia is the
hydrothermal resort of Alí
Terme : water and mud treatments
suitable for chronic
arthropathies, skin complaints,
gynecological problems and
inflammation of the respiratory
system are available
here.
There
are two spas: Granata Cassibile
and Marino, using the waters and
mud's of two springs (Marino) and
five springs (Granata Cassibile).
The water temperature varies
between 28 and 46° C. They
are rich in boric acid, sulphur,
sodium bromide, chloride, iodide
and carbonic acid. Easy to reach,
a treatment here is also good for
your health with the added
attraction of a beach,
archaeological sites and
beautiful coastal and hill
scenery nearby.
ANTILLO - In the Montagna Grande range of
the southern Peloritan mountains, its
history is bound to that of Savoca and the
and the inhabitants are given over to
agriculture and stock farming.
CASALVECCHIO
SICULO - It lies in the southern Peloritan
mountains on the south eastern slopes of
Mt. Sant'Elia. The village of Arab origin
was mentioned in 1130 as Calabiet, part of
the feudal lands of Savoca and until 1812
it belonged to the bishops of Messina.
From 1928 to 1939 the abolished commune
was joined to that of Santa Teresa di
Riva.
The
inhabitants devote themselves to primary
activities. The main church ( Sant'Onofrio
) with a baroque facade houses an Epiphany
by G. Camarda ( 1626 ), a precious marble
after and, in the treasury, a statue of
the saint in embossed silver and a 17thC.
Chalice. Nearby, on the left bank of the
Agrò river rises the church of
saint Pietro e Paolo, of Basilian origin,
rebuilt in 1172 by the master builder
Gerardo il Franco. Running along the outer
walls, in alternate layers of bricks, lava
and limestone are slim pilaster strips,
connected to intertwining pointed arches,
crowned by crenellated work. The interior
has three naves with semi-circular apses,
the centre one being
rectangular.
CASTROREALE
- This village was probably founded by the
Siculans in the 8th C. B.C.. It
immediately became of strategic importance
for its position controlling the Milazzo
valley. Roger I gave it as a baronet
privilege to Goffredo Borrello (1092);
Frederick of Aragon stayed here granting
it generous privileges. Charles 5th gave
it the title of town. In 1848 after
surrender of Messina to Bourbons, it was
the headquarters of the of the provincial
authorities and gave refuge to fugitives
from Messina. The Tower of Frederick II is
conserved here, the remains of the castle
the Aragonese king rebuilt in the 14th
century. The church of the Assunta flanked
by a 16th century bell tower, houses a
statue of Saint Cathrine made in 1534 by
Antonello Gagini, also responsible for the
"Annunciation" dated 1519 to be admired in
the church of Saint Agata. In the church
of Santa Maria del Gesù is the tomb
of Geronimo Rosso again by A.
Gagini.
Every 25th
of August great celebrations are held when
a crucifix is carried in grant procession.
The area of Castroreale is particularly
beneficial to the health, well served by
the road network linking it with the
nearby villages, including Castroreale
Terme, within the boundaries of the
commune of Terme Vigliatore.
CASTIGLIONE
DI SICILIA - Small town of very old
origin, dominates the beautiful valley of
Alcantara from above its rock. The town
gets its name from "Castel Leone" which
rises on the grindstone where 730 years
b.c. an observation point was erected by
the Greeks. In the following centuries
Normans, Swabians and Arabs each brought
new culture and costumes. Today
Castiglione offers a urban plan of great
interest, original embroidery, excellent
red wine and savory gastronomic delicacies
(very good are the noodles whit nettle).
CESARÒ
- In the Mt. Soro range of the southern
Nebrodi Mountains this village stands on
the watershed between the Cuto and Troina
streams. In 1334 Frederick II donated the
village to Cristoforo Romano, a strategist
from Messina. Raised to a duchy by Charles
II in favor or Antonio Ippolito (1634) the
village than passed to the Colonna family.
The economy is based on same small cottage
industries and on agriculture.
Little of
the castle has survived. The main church
is baroque, houses a 15th century Crucifix
painted on a tablet. This is the place of
lovers of mountain-excursions. Nearby is
the Femmina Morta pass. Near Cesarò
you get splendid views embracing the
western slopes of Etna, woods and an
artificial lake, the so-called Biviere di
Cesarò. The many possible
excursions are best made with the aid of a
guide. For the celebrations of the Assunta
the meadows are dotted with bonfires, lit
in honor of the Madonna.
FIUMEDINISI
- In the south eastern Peloritan
mountains, the village is clustered in a
bend of the Fiumedinisi river, close to
its mouth. Its lords from 1320 were Roger
di Vallone, Giaimo di Villanova and the
Colonna family. The main church conserves
two 16th C. sculptures, by the Florentine
M. Montanini and the artist from Messina
R. .Bonanno.
FLORESTA -
This village in the eastern Nebrodi
mountains lies in a saddle between Mt
Pistone and the Serre di Baratta. The
houses, built in a ribbon plan, form the
highest village on the island. Founded in
the 17th century, it was the feudal
territory of Antonio Quintana Duegnas, his
daughter Melchiora and, from 1675 to the
end on the 18th C. of Paolo Ardiono.
FORZA
D'AGRÒ - It is basically a medieval
village dramatically overlooking the
Ionian Sea at 15 Km (9 miles) from
Taormina. Impressing are the surrounding
spurs of the southern Peloritani mountains
carved by the rivers which in winter erode
their rocky banks. In 1117 Forza
D'Agró was given by Count Roger and
his son to the Basilian monks of the great
monastery of the Saints Pietro e Paolo.
The principal economic resources are
agriculture and stock farming.
The
winding route to the village opens
sweeping views of the coasts of Taormina
an Calabria as far as the Strait of
Messina. The village is dominated by the
remains of the castle of the 16th century,
today used as a cemetery.
FRANCAVILLA
- Francavilla di Sicilia is a medieval
city which grew around a Norman castle and
the basilian monastery of San Salvatore di
Placa, founded in 1092 upon the ruins of
another. The door of the old Matrice,
decorated with a vine leaf motif and dated
in 1493 is particularly interesting. The
Cappucini convent, built in 1585, is still
in good condition. There is a splendid
carved wood altar and two precious painted
wood relics in the church.
However
one of the most beautiful work in wood is
the crucifix of Moio Alcantara in the
parochial church (1700s). The crucifix is
of Father Umile da Petralia. Of particular
interest is the Frati Minori convent
(1700) in Malvagna and Motta Camastra,
small picturesque village.
GALLODORO
- Situated in the southern Peloritans
mountains to the left of the Letojanni
river, this village is not far from the
Ionian coast. Formerly part of the
Taormina territory, in1632 it was
purchased by the Reitano
family.
GIARDINI
NAXOS - Situated below Taormina, with his
lovely bay, a splendid sea, in a flat
coastal position. Naxos was the first
Greek colony in Sicily, founded in 735
B.C. by Chalcidians of Euboea. To
commemorate the event, a monument in
bronze was erected at the very tip of
Naxos - Capo Schisó: the NIKE.
Naxos is archeologically one of the very
few remaining chances to study the most
ancient aspects of Greek urbanistics. The
fertile sunny position, convenient for
boats, must have been the reason for the
choice made by the colonizers. From the
18th C. onwards the village of citrus
farmers and fishermen lived simply in this
"village of gardens", that's where the
name Giardini (Gardens) comes from. A
visitor to Giardini will also recall that
Garibaldi (the Italian hero who unified
Italy starting a liberation-expedition
from Sicily) left from the port of
Giardini to land in Calabria. A monument
commemorates the event.
GORGES OF
ALCANTARA - The river Alcantara marks the
boundary between the Provinces of Messina
and Catania. The Greeks called the river
"Akesines" , the Arabs " Al-cuantara" (
"the bridge"). Along 48 Km (30 miles) of
its lenght it brushes up against the
territory of Randazzo and flows on towards
the coast, separating the volcano Mt.Etna
from the mountains to the north. The
spectacular gorges were created by the
erosion and cooling of the lava flowing
from the crater of Mount Dolce, between
Linguaglossa and Randazzo, on the Etna
massif. The gorges show the inner part of
the flow with the splendid, columnar
fissures of magma rapidly cooled by the
gushing water. More than 20m (57 ft) deep
the gorges have bizarre basalt prisms
dotted here and there with cool
spontaneous vegetation.
ITÀLA
- Situated in the south eastern Peloritan
mountains, Itála lies on the
southern slopes of Monte Scuderi. The
houses are scattered on the banks of the
Itála river. Marina d'Itála
is situated at its outlet to the Ionian
sea. Existing in Norman times, the village
was donated by Roger to the monastery of
San Pietro, built by him. From 1928 to
1947 the village was annexed to that of
Scaletta Zanclea. Its economy is based on
agriculture, commerce, summer tourism and
wood working. The main church conserves
two precious 14th century painted
crucifixes. In the Croce district the
Church of San Pietro (1093) has conserved
the traits of the Norman Basilian
construction: it has a Basilica plan with
three naves and three apses, the exterior
enlivened with blind and tiered arches in
fired brick and limestone.
LETOJANNI
- Situated on the Ionian coast north of
Taormina, Letojanni extends along the
eastern Sicilian trunk road, on both sides
of the outlet of the Letojanni river. A
small hamlet coming under Gallodoro, it
expanded in the last century and with
Gallodoro in 1880 it obtained
administrational equality, maintained
until 1952 when Letojanni and Gallodoro
became two autonomous communes. Tourism
has developed here, favoured by good
reception facilities, and flanks
agriculture and fishing.
MANDANICI
- This village is in the Peloritan
mountains at the southern foot of Monte
Cavallo. Mandanichium belonged to the
Basilian monastery, founded by Roger the
Norman, until 1475, when it passed to the
secular clergy. The land is filled with
vineyards, olive groves, orchards, woods
and pasturelands, favoring stock rearing.
SAVOCA -
Savoca is situated on the low southern
slopes of the Peloritan mountains. It was
founded in the first half of the 12.
century and was first mentioned in 1415
when it already belonged to the
archibishops of Messina. The economy is
agricultural and based mainly on the
cultivation of citrus fruits. Only ruins
remain those of the norman castle. The
church of San Michele, 15th century in
origin, has two lovely gothic doors and
houses a coeval painting of San Michele.
The main Church, erected in the 16th C,
has a lovely Renaissance door, two smaller
gothic doors and a rose window; alongside
it is a 15th C. bell tower.
Archimedes
(287-212 BC), pre-eminent Greek
mathematician and inventor, who
wrote important works on plane
and solid geometry, arithmetic,
and mechanics.
Archimedes
was born in Syracuse, Sicily, and
educated in Alexandria, Egypt. In
pure mathematics he anticipated
many of the discoveries of modern
science, such as the integral
calculus, through his studies of
the areas and volumes of curved
solid figures and the areas of
plane figures.
He also proved that the volume of
a sphere is two-thirds the volume
of a cylinder that circumscribes
the sphere.
In mechanics,
Archimedes
defined the principle of the
lever and is credited with
inventing the compound pulley.
During his stay in Egypt he
invented the hydraulic screw for
raising water from a lower to a
higher level. He is best known
for discovering the law of
hydrostatics, often called
Archimedes' principle, which
states that a body immersed in
fluid loses weight equal to the
weight of the amount of fluid it
displaces.
This
discovery is said to have been
made as Archimedes stepped into
his bath and perceived the
displaced water overflowing.
Archimedes
spent the major part of his life
in Sicily, in and around
Syracuse. He did not hold any
public office but devoted his
entire lifetime to research and
experiment. During the Roman
conquest of Sicily, however, he
placed his gifts at the disposal
of the state, and several of his
mechanical devices were employed
in the defence of Syracuse. Among
the war machines attributed to
him are the catapult and-perhaps
legendary-a mirror system for
focusing the Sun's rays on the
invaders' boats and igniting
them.
After the capture of Syracuse
during the Second Punic War,
Archimedes
was killed by a Roman soldier who
found him drawing a mathematical
diagram in the sand. It is said
that
Archimedes
was so absorbed in calculation
that he offended the intruder
merely by remarking, "Do not
disturb my diagrams." Several of
his works on mathematics and
mechanics survive, including
Floating Bodies, The Sand
Reckoner, Measurement of the
Circle, Spirals, and Sphere and
Cylinder. They all exhibit the
rigour and imaginativeness of his
mathematical thinking.
