What to see, things to do, what to eat, interesting facts
State: CT - Area: Central Sicily
Mineo is a small charming village located on the north-western slopes of the Iblei mountains. Its origins are lost in the mists of time. The city has known all the historical events that have contributed to forming the Sicilian identity over the centuries. The first urban settlements date back to the pre-Hellenic period and are documented by archaeological finds. The current city was founded by Ducezio, in 459 BC, passed under Roman and Byzantine rule, and was conquered by the Arabs in 829. Under Islamic dominion it becomes an important stronghold with the name of Qalat Menay, that is "castle of Mineo". The historic center of Mineo has a medieval layout with narrow streets, alleys and courtyards. The presence of castles and citrus groves scented with orange blossom give this village a particular charm.
Where is Mineo located? Mineo is a municipality in the province of Catania. It rises at 528 meters above sea level, on the border between the provinces of Catania and Syracuse. It is in fact located about 50 km from both the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The town overlooks the Margi valley, a south-western appendage of the Catania plain, and its territory includes the north-western offshoots of the Iblean Mountains. It is 54 km from the city of Catania, 87 km from the city of Syracuse, 35 km from the city of Enna and 220 km from the city of Palermo.
How to reach Mineo? The easiest way to reach Mineo is to use your own car and take the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway. If you come from Catania, exit at the junction for Motta Sant'Anastasia, continue on the SS192 towards Gerbini, once in Gerbini take the SP74 up to Palagonia and continue on the SS383 until the junction for Mineo. Mineo is about 40 km from the Motta Sant'Anastasia motorway junction. If you come from Palermo or Central Sicily, exit at the junction for Motta Sant'Anastasia, continue on the SS192 towards Gerbini, once in Gerbini take the SP74 up to Palagonia and continue on the SS383 until the crossroads for Mineo. Mineo is about 40 km from the Gerbini motorway junction. Mineo does not have its own train station so those who want to travel by train must refer to the nearest train stations and from there take a bus or shuttle direct to the town. The closest train station to Mineo is Militello in Val di Catania.
What is the best time to visit Mineo?
Mineo can be visited all year round: the welcome and warmth of the Sicilians will amaze you.
But for an unforgettable experience, admiring the colors, tasting the flavors and fully experiencing the traditions, it is advisable to plan a visit on the days of one of the festivals that take place in Mineo during the year.
If you want to know about upcoming festivals and events Click here and you will find a list of the most important ones.
Traditional Festivals, Events, Live Show, Concerts,... Mineo
The most important religious festival for the city of Mineo is the Festival dedicated to Sant'Agrippina during which the procession of the simulacrum of the Patron Saint takes place, the pilgrimage of the naked, the equestrian parade and the traditional gift of wheat. Among the other religious festivals we remember the Feast of Mary Queen of Angels. During the Christmas period, the Living Nativity Scene is traditionally organised, transforming the village into a land of memory. Of great interest is the Medieval Festival, during which the ancient past of this village comes to life.
Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Mineo
You can obviously taste all the typical products of Sicilian cuisine, the most well-known ones, such as
cannoli, Sicilian cassata, arancini, etc.
But there are some specialties typical of this area that are more difficult to find in other areas of Sicily.
The natural landscape surrounding the town of Meno presents two clearly distinct areas: to the south and east a mountainous area, called Parti di vigna in Sicilian, rich in centuries-old olive groves, almond groves and Mediterranean scrub; to the north-west is the Margi valley, an appendix of the Catania plain, intensely cultivated with citrus groves and vegetables. In the hilly areas, Extra Virgin olive oil D.O.P. is produced. Hyblaean Mountains. The flat area is included in the production area of the Red Orange Protection Consortium of Sicily, with Tarocco, Sanguinello and Moro cultivars. Among the typical first courses of the city of Mineo we remember: cavatieddi, made and scooped out by hand, with tomato sauce, aubergines and salted ricotta; homemade pasta with wild fennel. The typical dessert of Mineo is Angel's hair, a dessert with a characteristic thin and long shape reminiscent of spaghetti.
To view a list of business activity within tourism in Mineo Click here
Interesting and Fun Facts
Interesting and fun facts, mythology, legend, folk tales and more to know about Mineo
