Castiglione di Sicilia

Castiglione di Sicilia is a little village with a charming old town centre and a beautiful natural environment.

The history of Castiglione di Sicilia is connected to the Alcantara Valley. It was inhabited by Greeks in 403 BC , who built a fortress to protect and control their colonies. Later the village was conquered by Romans, who built its bridges, Arabs who changed the irrigation systems, Normans and Swabian. The village prospered under this incredible dominations which characterized the old town centre.

The most important monuments of the village are the Basilica della Madonna della Catena, built in 1655, has a wonderful Baroque facade; the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, erected in the 17th century , includes impressive mosaics; the Church of SS Apostoli Pietro e Paolo was built by Normans in 1105 with a Latin Cross plan; the Lauria Castle erected by Normans;

Close to the village it is possible to visit the medieval “U Cannizzu” Tower. The fortress was located outside the village and was the first stronghold to be conquered by Frederick II, King of Sicily when he conquered the feudal town in 1301 defeating Roger of Lauria.

People live here:

3.574

Attractions:

Festa della Madonna della Catena (May), holy festivity

Sagra del Pane Condito(22/08) food festival

How to get there:

By Car:

From Catania

Get on A18dir from Via Sant’Euplio, Via Etnea and Viale Odorico da Pordenone. Take A18/E45 to SS120 in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia. Take exit Fiumefreddo from A18/E45. Continue on SS120. Take SP64 to Via S. Vincenzo/SP7i in Castiglione di Sicilia.

Accommodations:

Hotel Borgo Alcantara 4*

http://www.ilborgoalcantara.it

B&B Tanaceto

http://www.iltanaceto.it

Cavanera Wine Resort

http://www.firriato-cavanera-etna.it

Country House San Marco

http://www.agriturismosanmarco.com

Hotel Federico II 3*

http://www.hotelfedericosecondo.com/en/

Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa 4*