June 2nd is an important holiday in Italy. It is a reminder of the importance and value of our republic and the sacrifices that were made to achieve this result, this victory of the institutions after World War 2. The celebrations for this day often include military parades and concerts, but most people celebrate June 2 by going on a trip to discover fascinating places. And maybe – why not – places connected to the history of Italy. Castiglione di Sicilia is one of these places.
A heroic city
Castiglione di Sicilia is a heroic city. It paid with blood for its belonging to Italy, during the final acts of World War 2. A plaque located on the Town Hall reminds us of this, by commemorating the awarding of the Bronze Medal for Civil Merit because: During the last world conflict, the city was the scene of a ferocious German reprisal that resulted in the death of sixteen civilians and the looting of numerous homes. Castiglione di Sicilia, August 12th, 1943.
Castiglione also paid the price due to the heavy bombing by the Allies, counting victims and destruction by “friendly hand”, while the reconquest of the Sicilian territory continued.
During the national holidays, such as April 25 and June 2, the celebrations that take place in this town overlooking a unique panorama of Etna acquire a particular value and transmit deep emotions.
Castiglione, city of art
But Castiglione di Sicilia is also an ideal destination for trips out of town, during the summer. And on June 2, a nice trip is a must!
The town’s ancient history begins with a Roman military fort built on top of a rock to dominate the underlying Alcantara Valley. The fort became a castle during the Arab domination and, thanks to the subsequent Norman era, it was transformed into a large manor house for not only defensive but also residential purposes. Several “lords” lived within the mighty walls of this castle: Roger of Lauria, Frederick III of Aragon to name just a few, but before them Frederick II also had the opportunity to visit it.
On the territory of the city, therefore, Byzantine, Arab, Norman traces are still intertwined today … completed by beautiful seventeenth-century churches in classical and baroque style. The historic center, which has maintained its medieval labyrinthine structure, lets you discover step by step treasures such as the basilica of the Madonna della Catena, the little church of St Antonio (also ended up in a music video by singer Lucio Dalla – SEE HERE ), the main church of Saints Peter and Paul, the little church of St Vincenzo. Just outside the city, here are the ancient military bastions of the Torre Cannizzu and Castelluccio. The castle of Lauria is located in the upper part of the historic core and offers a breathtaking view over the valley and Mount Etna. At the foot of the rock, there are two important Byzantine churches: one is the famous Cuba of Santa Domenica, an ancient mosque that later became a Catholic temple and is now a museum (after years of abandonment); the small church of St Nicholas, recently restored along with its splendid frescoes, skillfully mixes Byzantine and Romanesque styles.
Castiglione and the Alcantara River
Near the two Byzantine churches, the Alcantara River flows, before it enters the deep and very famous gorges. Not far from the Cuba, you can admire the lively water stream forming small lakes and waterfalls in a series of steps that – further downstream – will become the more touristy gorges. But, unlike those, the banks of the river here are unsupervised. If you are not familiar with the area, avoid going alone, or bringing very small children with you. The very slippery rocks can cause falls into the river in dangerous places with rapids and whirlpools. Avoid visiting this site immediately after heavy rains because floods can arrive suddenly and wash away portions of the bank. However, by staying safe on the paths, and at a good distance from the watercourse, you can admire a wonderful panorama. The tourist facility of the Alcantara Gorges is however only a few kilometers away from the center of Castiglione, if you want to explore the river safely.
Curiosity
The municipal territory of Castiglione di Sicilia also includes some portions of the summit of the volcano Etna, including the North East crater which, however, cannot be reached directly from the town. You need to go up to Piano Provenzana refuges and from there take a hiking guide to tackle the (hard) climb to the top. The territory of Castiglione also includes the “wine villages”, whose cellars promote tastings of excellent red and white Etna wines: Solicchiata, Passopisciaro, Rovittello, Sciaranuova.
How to reach Castiglione
To reach Castiglione di Sicilia the quickest way is to follow the A18 Catania-Messina motorway. Whether you are arriving from the Messina ferry terminal or from Catania airport, following this road you will have to exit at the Giardini-Naxos junction and then follow the road to Francavilla di Sicilia along the SS120 state road and the SP7i provincial road. You could also reach Castiglione from the SP59iii road which -from the eastern side of Etna (Zafferana Etnea)- reaches the northern side, Linguaglossa and Castiglione di Sicilia. However, the road is full of curves, so be careful if you suffer from car sickness! (PHOTO BY GRAZIA MUSUMECI)