Francofonte
Things to do, attractions, interesting facts
State: SR - Area: Siracusa surroundings
Francofonte is perched on a volcanic summit and along the side of a hill overlooking the very fertile plain of Catania.
The first inhabited center was built in the fourteenth century by the will of some men to escape the clashes between the Catalan faction and the Latina in the nearby territory of Lentini. Thus it was built in an elevated position as it was less exposed to the risks of the surrounding plains. The farmhouse was then transformed into a fortress, with the construction of the keep and the fortified walls. Thus arose the first nucleus of the castle around which the town gradually developed.
What is the best time to visit Francofonte?
Francofonte 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 Francofonte 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
Starting from Largo Botteghelle, which was the center of peasant life at the end of the eighteenth century, you can walk along Via Garibaldi where it is possible to admire some neoclassical buildings, the small church of San Cristoforo built for travellers, and the small temple of the Holy Cross, a chapel votive where farmers stopped returning from the fields. From the Belvedere you can enjoy a particular point of view which includes the Etna volcano and the sea of Priolo. Continuing along via Umberto you come across the birthplace of the writer Matteo Gaudioso, the portal of the church of Sant' Antonio da Padova, the church of Sant' Anna, the Mother Church with the paintings attributed to Pietro Novelli, and the church of San Gerolamo with adjoining clock tower. Of particular importance is Palazzo Belfiore, an example of Sicilian baroque work by the stonemasons Montalto and Cultrera. Absolutely interesting is the so-called "Downhill climb", the stretch of state road that connects Francofonte to Vizzini which, due to a strange game of optical illusion, seems like a climb although being, in reality, a downhill path.Tourist Map of Francofonte
Church of the Holy Cross in Francofonte
Benedictine monastery in Francofonte
Church of Sant'Antonio da Padova in Francofonte
Basilica of Sant'Antonio Abate in Francofonte
College of Canons in Francofonte
Alagona Castle in Francofonte
Gravina-Cruyllas Palace in Francofonte
Portal of the Church of Sant'Agata in Francofonte
Church of San Gerolamo in Francofonte
Church of the Guardian Angel in Francofonte
Church of the Carmine in Francofonte
Church of San Cristoforo in Francofonte
Piazza Dante in Francofonte
Villa Idria in Francofonte
Church of the Carmine Vecchio in Francofonte
Giardinello fountain in Francofonte
Chadra Castle in Francofonte
Gadera Park in Francofonte
Canali Fountain in Francofonte
Church of the Annunziata Extra Terra in Francofonte
What to eat
Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Francofonte
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 city of Francofonte is renowned for the production of the Blood Orange of Sicily. It is believed that the Tarocco variety of blood oranges originated in this area and that from here it first spread to the Catania Plain and then throughout Sicily. The Tarocco di Francofonte PGI is considered the most valuable blood orange.To view a list of business activity within tourism in FrancofonteClick here
Nearby Places
Below you will find a list of the most beautiful places to visit in the surroundings of Francofonte. The places are located at a maximum distance of about an half hour by car. Good fun!
Scordia
Central Sicily
Militello In Val di Catania
Central Sicily
Buccheri
Siracusa surroundings
Ferla
Siracusa surroundings
