La Sicilia boasts 23 villages among the most beautiful in Italy, with five of them located solely in the province of Messina. These villages are authentic treasures of art and history, bearing witness to glorious pasts. Each village showcases monuments from various eras and styles, making them unique. Positioned by the sea, on hills, or amidst mountains, Sicilian villages offer an intimate experience to be explored with family or even alone. The opportunity to admire ancient ruins makes these places even more captivating, offering a journey into Sicily’s tumultuous past.

 

Castelmola: Medieval Culture Overlooking the Sea

This Sicilian village offers a timeless experience, enveloping visitors in a typically medieval environment. The alleys and streets seamlessly blend the ancient with the modern, while from the viewpoint of the square, located in the upper part of the town, one can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the sea and Taormina.

Savoca: Ancient Hillside Town

Its beauty immerses visitors in an archaic atmosphere, evident in every corner and alley. Renovations, roofs with Sicilian tiles, basalt streets, and houses made of local stone create a captivating aesthetic effect. Known as the “Village with Seven Faces“, as described by the renowned Sicilian writer Sciascia, Savoca was the setting for “The Godfather”, still offering evocative atmospheres of the past today.

Castroreale: A Historical Treasure on the Tyrrhenian Coast

The first historical records of Castroreale date back to the 14th century when Frederick II of Aragon ordered its expansions, giving rise to a fortified nucleus called Castro. Throughout the centuries, the village passed through various dominations, leaving traces of Arab, Norman, Aragonese, Spanish, and Bourbon influences. Today, Castroreale stands as a jewel on the Tyrrhenian coast, witnessing moments of prestige, economic prosperity, and cultural richness. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the 15th century, adorned with artworks by Antonello Gagini and Rinaldo Bonanno. The Piazza delle Aquile offers an extraordinary panorama of the city.

Novara di Sicilia: A Journey into the Heart of the Middle Ages

In Novara di Sicilia, it is recommended to stroll through the village and park after the San Sebastiano bridge. Piazza San Sebastiano offers a spectacular view of the Cathedral, while the Church of the Annunciation, dating back to the 16th century, showcases Baroque elegance in its interior renovated in the 19th century. Continuing the journey, the Church of Sant’Ugo and the Cathedral, built in the 15th century with a crypt containing mummies, are must-see attractions. The itinerary reveals the Abbey of Sant’Ugo and unique works of art, such as the portrait of Sant’Ugo preserved in the sacristy. A journey into Sicilian medieval history amidst art and historical suggestions.

Montalbano Elicona: Medieval Resort

A city that enchants with a labyrinth of alleys and the majestic Swabian-Aragonese castle. The churches, treasures of art, showcase works from the Gagini school. The sanctuary and the suggestive views from the belvedere complete the spiritual and panoramic experience in this charming Sicilian village.