| CASTELMOLA 
            Castelmola, 
              province of Messina, stands at 529m a.s.l. It began life as a lookout 
              post to guard against attacks from the inland and proudly re-flourished 
              following destructions by Dionysius’ armies in 392 BC and 
              by Arab’s in 902. The remnants of a 1500’s castle are 
              one of its attractions.  Other 
              worth-visiting places are the Chiesa Madre, dedicated to St. George, 
              likely built in the course of the 1600’s. It is adorned with 
              engaging works of art, such as a painting depicting the Virgin of 
              the Holy Rosary with Dominican and Franciscan Saints and the 1600’s 
              Eternal Father and Mary Immaculate. The 
              Chiesa Parrocchiale dedicated to San Nicolò di Bari was erected 
              on the ruins of an ancient religious building, of which it retains 
              the altar and a walnut carved pulpit. In the sacristy, are a 1500’s 
              canvas depicting the Enthroned Virgin with the Child between St. 
              Rock and St. Michael and a 1700’s depicting St. Michael. |