What to see, things to do, what to eat, interesting facts
State: ME - Area: Messina surroundings
Montalbano Elicona is a beautiful village nestled in the Peloritani mountains, famous for its castle which stands on a rock dominating the small town. The origins of the village probably date back to the first half of the 10th century, it is mentioned for the first time only in 1070. It was a state possession until 1177, when it passed to the Alagona. In 1233, following a popular uprising, Emperor Frederick II of Swabia razed the ancient town to the ground. The town was thus rebuilt and in 1262 it was given by King Manfredi to Bonifacio Anglona, under the title of county. At the time of Frederick II of Aragon, Montalbano Elicona reached its maximum splendor, the construction of the castle dates back to this era.
Where is Montalbano Elicona located? Montalbano Elicona is a municipality in the province of Messina. It rises at 870 meters above sea level immersed in the Nebrodi Park. It is 70 km from the city of Messina, 128 km from the city of Cefalù, 95 km from the city of Catania and 200 km from the city of Palermo.
How to reach Montalbano Elicona? The simplest way to reach Montalbano Elicona is to use your own car and take the A20 Messina-Palermo motorway, exit at the Falcone junction, and continue on the SP11 towards Montalbano Elicona. Montalbano Elicona is about 20 km from the Falcone motorway junction. If you come from Catania or Taormina, you could follow an alternative route: take the A19 Catania-Messina motorway, exit at the junction for Fiumefreddo, continue on the SS120 towards Etna towns until you reach Randazzo. Here take the SS116 up to Favoscuro, then the SP115 up to Montalbano Elicona. Montalbano Elicona is about 60 km from the Fiumefreddo di Sicilia motorway junction. This alternative route, although shorter, requires the same travel time as the previous one as it mainly runs on state roads. Montalbano Elicona does not have its own railway station so those who want to travel by train must refer to the railway stations closest and from there take a bus or shuttle to the town. The closest railway station to Montalbano Elicona is Falcone, an intermediate stop on the Palermo - Messina railway line.
What is the best time to visit Montalbano Elicona ?
Montalbano Elicona 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 Montalbano Elicona 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.
What to see in Montalbano Elicona
The village of Montalbano Elicona, dominated by its castle, is made up of small houses, located on spurs of outcropping rock, one leaning against the other, which create a picturesque labyrinth of alleys and overpasses from the late medieval period. Of notable artistic interest is the Mother Church, dedicated to San Nicolò Of Bari, custodian of works of notable artistic value. Among other religious buildings of particular interest are: the Church of Santa Caterina, one of the few examples of Catalan architecture in Sicily ; the Santuario di Maria SS.ma della Provvidenza, one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in the Nebrodi; the small but ancient Church of the Holy Spirit; the Church of San Michele, located outside the town centre; the Church of San Biagio which unfortunately is in a poor state of conservation. Of particular interest are: the Castle Museum which houses the museums of bladed weapons and medieval-Renaissance cordophones; the Photographic Museum; Tirone fountain, a place of great historical importance. In its territory is the Argimusco , a naturalistic and archaeological site, which represents one of the most mysterious and evocative places in Sicily. A rich historical heritage, prehistoric remains and centuries-old woods characterize the village: the Solar Pointers, large rocks used as a solar calendar; the Tholos, buildings once used as a shelter for shepherds; the Bosco di Malabotta reserve, which boasts exceptional environmental diversity; Colla Barriera, a wooded area with particular rock formations.
Traditional Festivals, Events, Live Show, Concerts,... Montalbano Elicona
The most traditional and important events for the village of Montalbano Elicono are: the Aragonese Festivals, one of the most spectacular historical and cultural events in Sicily; and the living nativity scene, which takes place among the evocative torch-lit alleys of the ancient Serro district. Among the religious festivals, is of great importance the Festival of the Madonna della Provvidenza, one of the oldest events in the Nebrodi area. Among the food and wine events we remember the Festival of Ancient Flavors and No.Strano Festival. In the village of Braidi, a hamlet of Montalbano Elicona, the following are traditionally organised: the infiorata di Braidi with night lights and the Festa di Maria SS. Immaculate.
Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Montalbano Elicona
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.
Of great importance is the production of hazelnuts, the Nebrodi round hazelnut or Montalbano hazelnut, which represents the main source of wealth of Montalbano Elicona. Most of the territory, in addition to hazelnut groves, is also affected by the cultivation of vineyards and olive groves. The woods and pastures have a notable extension which allow for flourishing cattle and pig breeding. Excellent production of cheeses including provola, the famous provola dei Nebrodi, ricotta and cured meats, in particular ham and sausages obtained from the Nebrodi black pig, reared in the controlled wild state in the Nebrodi Regional Park. A excellence of the village of Montalbano Elicona, renowned throughout Sicily, is Montalbano bread, prepared according to ancient traditional techniques. Another typical product of the village is Tortone di Montalbano.
Interesting and Fun Facts
Interesting and fun facts, mythology, legend, folk tales and more to know about Montalbano Elicona
