Castiglione di Sicilia

Castiglione di Sicilia has great charm, a rich history and covers one of the most extensive territories in the province lying within the Etna and Alcantara Gorge Nature Parks. Its history is implicit in its name which derives from ‘Castel Leone’, an ancient fortification the remains of which are still visible, that dominated the Alcantara Valley.

The old town centre has a number of monuments that bear witness to past ages under different rulers. Many of the churches and noble palaces are richly decorated. The church of Sant’Antonio Abate, in one of the oldest quarters, has marble inlay work, a Baroque facade and a Gothic-Byzantine belfry. The church of San Pietro e Paolo is notable for its bell tower dating from 1105 and the Basilica of La Madonna della Catena for its monumental Baroque facade. Near the Alcantara River stands the Byzantine Cube (Cuba Bizantina) or church of Santa Domenica, dating back to between the 7 C and 9 C A.D. which is considered one of the most precious, important monuments in the area. Also worth a visit is the 12 C Lauria Castle (Castello di Lauria). Apart from its historical monuments Castiglione is also proud of its two landscape monuments, the Alcantara Gorge and Etna which provide visitors with a variety of different trips and excursions.

The area’s long history of wine production is its ‘plus factor’: the large number of companies producing DOC Etna wines that are exported all over the world attract a constant flow of visitors who are also interested in discovering the typical dishes offered by local restaurants and farms. Castiglione is also the realm of the hazelnut, used in typical local pastries which are just waiting to be discovered and tasted.