|
Villages nearby
to Castelmola Sicily
ALĚ 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 Agrň 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 Gesů 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).
CESARŇ - 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 Cesarň you get splendid views embracing the western
slopes of Etna, woods and an artificial lake, the
so-called Biviere di Cesarň. 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'AGRŇ - 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.
ITŔLA - 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.
|
