SANT'AGATA
DI MILITELLO
Sant’Agata
di Militello is a town in the province of Messina with a population
of 13,000 inhabitants. It enjoys a privileged position at only 30
metres from the Nebrodi’s Tyrrhenian shore and is bordered
by a fertile and rich countryside covered with olive and citrus
plantations and lush woods. Further, a nearby area endowed with
uncontaminated rock formations has been recently designated a protected
area.
Sant’Agata
di Militello grew up around the Torre della Marina, a coastal watch-tower
erected in the 13th century serving to protect the city of Militello
Valdemone. In the 1500s, it was completed with the construction
of a fortification. For several centuries, the city was ruled by
the members of the Aragonese Gallego family, and, since 1820, by
the Prince of Trabia. In 1857, it became administratively autonomous
from the city of Militello.
It
is dotted with many interesting cultural sites, most of which are
scattered across the town centre. Among these are a few noble palazzi,
such as Palazzo Faraci, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Gentile.
The
Castello Gallego, largely modified throughout the centuries, is
a landmark. Presently, it encloses a large square courtyard that
provides access to the ground floor housing the storehouses, the
guard rooms and the stables, and to the upper floor that accomodated
the noble rooms.
Another
renowned attraction is the Arco di Sant’Agata or Porta di
Mare.
The
Chiesa Madre was built in the 19th century. Divided into three naves,
it houses the Cappella del Sacramento, being its most ancient part,
adorned with baroque altars decorated with marble carvings. Stuccoes
and other works of art from the 19th century ornament the interior
of the church.
The
Museo Etnoantropologico dei Nebrodi is very interesting. It is divided
into three sections, respectively devoted to “the woman and
the woman’s work”, “the rural life and work”
and “the traditions and religion”.
In
the city surroundings are spots of high naturalistic interest, such
as the coastal side of the Nebrodi Mountains, recommended for excursions,
and an equally attractive countryside.
Beyond
S. Agata, in the Serra Quaranta and Spartà districts, leading
directly into the Park, are breath-taking spots like the Rosmarino
and Inganno creeks, the Maurazzo lake, Militello and Alcara, the
Rocche del Crasto, Rocca Priola, Monte Mueli and Monte Soro, the
wood of Mangalaviti, and the Biviere Lake.
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