Casalvecchio Siculo is a medieval village that dominates the Valle D'Agrò offering a wonderful panorama that ranges from Etna to the Ionian coast and the coasts of Calabria on the Strait of Messina. It is certain that the village was under Greek domination , as evidenced by the name "Casalvecchio", a Greek term to indicate "Old farmhouse", under Islamic domination, as evidenced by the urban fabric, and under the Byzantine and Norman one, as evidenced by the Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul of Agrò, one of the oldest architectural structures in Sicily which embodies the Arab, Byzantine and Norman styles.
Where is Casalvecchio Siculo located? Casalvecchio Siculo is a municipality in the province of Messina. It rises at 370 meters above sea level, 5 km from the Ionian coast. It is 39 km from the city of Messina and 16 km from the city of Taormina. Its territory falls within the Valle d'Agrò.
How to reach Casalvecchio Siculo? The simplest way to reach Casalvecchio Siculo is to use your own car and take the A18 Messina-Catania motorway, exit at the Roccalumera junction, continue towards Santa Teresa di Riva, then take the SP19 towards Savoca - Casalvecchio Siculo. Casalvecchio Siculo is about 10 km from the motorway junction. It is also possible to reach Casalvecchio Siculo by train: you need to get off at the Santa Teresa di Riva station and from there take a bus or shuttle direct to Casalvecchio Siculo.
What is the best time to visit Casalvecchio Siculo?
Casalvecchio Siculo 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 Casalvecchio Siculo 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
Casalvecchio Siculo houses one of the most important architectural works of the entire valley of the Agrò river and of all of Sicily: the Church of Saints Peter and Paul of Agrò, a wonderful example of harmonious coexistence of the Arab, Byzantine and Norman styles. The the historic center of Casalvecchio Siculo retains traces of Islamic domination, with its Piazza Vecchia, the fulcrum of the ancient medieval village, with suggestive underpasses and small, winding streets dotted with monuments of notable artistic value: the Church of Sant'Onofrio Anacoreta, the mother church of Casalvecchio Siculo; the fifteenth-century Church of San Nicolò, among the oldest of the branch churches; the sixteenth-century Church of San Teodoro Martire; the Church of the Santissima Annunziata, rich in precious seventeenth-century stuccos; the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano, a destination for numerous pilgrims. Also of interest are the War Memorial, in modern style, located at the entrance to the town and the parish museum which also houses a section dedicated to art and rural civilization. The territory of Casalvecchio Siculo is a fertile territory, rich in water and this is demonstrated by the presence of several historical fountains: the Fountain Acqua Ruggia; the Water Fountain; the Panagosto Fountain. Casalvecchio Siculo is immersed in the splendid natural landscape of the Valle D'Agrò. Of particular naturalistic interest are the Ranciara Gorges and the Vernà mountain, destinations for numerous hikers.
Traditional Festivals, Events, Live Show,... Casalvecchio Siculo
Among the religious festivals of Casalvecchio Siculo, the festival in honor of the patron saint Sant'Onofrio is of great importance and is celebrated on 12 June, the day on which only a simple procession takes place, and on the second Sunday of September with a large external festival. Another religious festival of particular interest is the Feast of Fraternity and Peace: it is a traditional rite that takes place between the brotherhoods of San Teodoro and Santissima Annunziata on the days of their respective celebrations, which recalls the reconciliation that took place between the two brotherhoods. The rites linked to the Easter holidays are important. The traditional Search deserves particular attention, i.e. the search for Jesus Christ by the people to free themselves from sins and invoke divine forgiveness. During the Christmas period, the Living Nativity Scene is organised, considered one of the most beautiful nativity scenes on the Ionian Riviera. Among the events promoting the area and its typical products, the Ancient Fair of San Pietro and the Feast of San Martino are of great importance.
Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Casalvecchio Siculo
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.
Casalvecchio boasts an ancient agro-pastoral tradition and its most appreciated gastronomic products bear witness to this: extra virgin olive oil, honey, homemade bread made with durum wheat from the surrounding valleys, preserves in oil such as savory tomatoes, aubergines and artichokes. Wild products also abound in this area: asparagus, capers, ferula mushrooms, chicory, fennel, borage, cardella, wild lettuces, cabbages, .. . The typical dishes of Casalvecchio are also linked to local agricultural and livestock products: sausage, homemade macaroni with sauce and delicious Messina-style stockfish.
Nearby Places
Below you will find a list of the most beautiful places to visit in the surroundings of Casalvecchio Siculo. The places are located at a maximum distance of about an half hour by car. Good fun!
