Fiumefreddo di Sicilia rises on the north-eastern slopes of Etna along the Ionian coast and boasts beautiful beaches. The geographical position and the climate determined by the beneficial effects of the sea breeze make Fiumefreddo a pleasant town, close to the sea but immersed in the greenery, both in the coastal strip, rich in eucalyptus groves and other woodland vegetation, and in the upstream area. The territory of today's Fiumefreddo belonged to the great fiefdom of Calatabiano; it became an independent fiefdom in 1296. In 1592 the history of Fiumefreddo was intertwined with that of the powerful Gravina family who administered it almost continuously until 1812, when the fiume of Fiumefreddo was elevated to the status of municipality.
Where is Fiumefreddo di Sicilia? Fiumefreddo di Sicilia is a municipality in the province of Catania. It rises on the north-eastern slopes of Etna, along the State Road 114 Orientale Sicula. It overlooks the Ionian coast. It is 37 km from the city of Catania, 60 km from the city of Messina and 19 km from the city of Taormina. The natural reserve of the Fiumefreddo River falls within its territory.
How to reach Fiumefreddo di Sicilia? The simplest way to reach Fiumefreddo di Sicilia is to use your own car and travel along the on the A18 Messina-Catania motorway and exit at the junction for Fiumefreddo di Sicilia. It is also possible to reach Fiumefreddo di Sicilia by train getting off at the Fiumefreddo di Sicilia station.
What is the best time to visit Fiumefreddo di Sicilia?
Fiumefreddo di Sicilia 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 Fiumefreddo di Sicilia 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
The original nucleus of the town, an ancient fiefdom of the Gravina family, is the current Castello district, so called due to the presence of a tower which served to control the lands from above and to provide a home to the feudal lords. In fact, the town originally took the name of Castel Fiumefreddo, in Latin Castrum Fluminis Frigidi. The current town develops along the state road, where various lodgings and shops were built in the interest of the Gravina family. The main monument of the town is the Mother Church dedicated to Maria SS. Immaculate. Of particular interest are: the Church of San Vincenzo Ferreri, the oldest in the village; Corvaja Palace, dating back to the 18th century; the new Church of Maria SS. of the Rosary; Torre Rossa, Roman funeral building; Casale Papandrea, a fine example of industrial architecture; the Monument to the Fallen, designed by Salvatore Incorpora; Piazza Bacio Sublime, considered the most romantic square in Sicily. In the countryside of Fiumefreddo there is the a href="https://www.enjoysicilia.it/en/taormina-area/fiumefreddo/castello-schiavi-fiumefreddo/">Castello degli Schiavi, a splendid jewel of eighteenth-century Sicilian rural baroque, known throughout the world as the set of the film The Godfather by Francis Ford Coppola.
Traditional Festivals, Events, Live Show,... Fiumefreddo di Sicilia
In the month of March the Feast of San Giuseppe takes place, a Patronal church of Fiumefreddo rich in tradition and faith. During the Easter period, the rites of the Holy Week, in particular the functions of Palm Sunday and the representation of the Passion of Christ on Good Friday.< br>During the Christmas period the Living Nativity Scene which transforms the Villa Comunale into a small Bethlehem. Among the other religious holidays: Feast of Maria SS. Immacolata and the Feast of Maria SS. della Catena. Among the food and wine events, the following are of great importance: the Mango Festival; the Sausage Festival and the San Martino Fest.
Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia
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.
Fiumefreddo is an important center of citrus fruit production, in particular the verdello lemon. In recent years the cultivation of mango has developed greatly.
Nearby Places
Below you will find a list of the most beautiful places to visit in the surroundings of Fiumefreddo di Sicilia. The places are located at a maximum distance of about an half hour by car. Good fun!
