What to see, things to do, what to eat, interesting facts
State: ME - Area: Messina surroundings
Monforte San Giorgio is a small village perched on the slopes of Monte dei Forti, in the heart of a fertile and luxuriant valley and located a few kilometers from the sea. The first settlements in the Monforte San Giorgio area date back to the Bronze Age as evidenced by the archaeological finds of Contrada Pistarina. It is believed that the Sicani were the first people to inhabit these lands, followed by the Greeks and Romans. The current inhabited area originated during the resistance organized by the Byzantine monks who fled from the East to escape persecution against their sacred images. In 1061 a Norman expedition led by Count Ruggero d'Altavilla began the conquest of Sicily and, after taken Messina, the Normans passed through Monforte where they were triumphantly welcomed. The memory of this event lives on in the traditional "Katabba", the oldest historical re-enactment in Sicily. The historic center of Monforte San Giorgio retains the characteristics of the ancient medieval village: an intersection of alleys and alleys that open onto splendid squares.
Where is Monforte San Giorgio? Monforte San Giorgio is a municipality in the province of Messina. It rises at 287 meters above sea level, in the Niceto Valley, on the first slopes of the Peloritani mountains, about 9 km from the Tyrrhenian coast. It is 30 km from the city of Messina, 80 km from the city of Taormina, 125 km from the city of Catania, 143 km from the city of Cefalù, 200 km from the city of Palermo.
How to reach Monforte San Giorgio? The easiest way to reach Monforte San Giorgio is to use your own car and take the A20 Messina-Palermo motorway. If you come from Messina, exit at the Rometta junction, continue on the SS113 to Fondachello, then take the SP60 to Monforte San Giorgio. Monforte San Giorgio is about 15 km from the Rometta motorway junction. If you come from Palermo, exit at the junction for Milazzo, continue on the SS113 to Monforte Marina, then take the SP60 to Monforte San Giorgio. Monforte San Giorgio is about 15 km from the Milazzo motorway junction. Monforte San Giorgio 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 to the town. The closest railway station to Monforte San Giorgio is the Roccavaldina station - Scala Torregrotta station for regional trains, and the Milazzo station for all other trains.
What is the best time to visit Monforte San Giorgio?
Monforte San Giorgio 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 Monforte San Giorgio 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,... Monforte San Giorgio
The most important event for the village is the Katabba, the oldest historical re-enactment in Sicily which commemorates the arrival of Roger I of Altavilla and the escape of the Arab invaders. The patronal feast in honor of San Giorgio is of great importance and takes place on 23 April, on the occasion of the liturgical anniversary, and in the month of August when the large external festival. Among other religious festivals we remember the Feast of Madonna del Crispino, celebrated in the month of September in the hamlet of Pellegrino where the Sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin is located. Of great beauty is the Living Nativity Scene of Monforte San Giorgio which takes place among the picturesque streets of the Arab neighborhood La Vetere. Among the events food and wine highlights The Tour of the Barrels, organized in November, on the occasion of which the cellars and traditional catoj are opened to visitors. In the summer period the Beer Festival in Pellegrino is organised.
Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Monforte San Giorgio
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.
In the Monforte San Giorgio area, in addition to the traditional cultivation of citrus and olive trees, the cultivation of smergie or sbergie is widespread, a variety of smooth nectarine peach with a unique flavour. To taste the cheeses, cured meats, meats and local wine.
Interesting and Fun Facts
Interesting and fun facts, mythology, legend, folk tales and more to know about Monforte San Giorgio
