Forza d'Agrò: Medieval village between sky and sea
Things to do, attractions, interesting facts
State: ME - Area: Taormina surroundings
Forza d'Agrò is a small village that preserves a clear medieval layout with its houses leaning against each other among narrow alleys and dominated by a castle of which imposing remains can still be admired today. The village is known throughout the world for having been chosen as the set for some very successful films, such as the award-winning The godfather of Francis Ford Coppola.
Numerous archaeological finds testify that this territory was frequented in the protohistoric age by the Sicans and Siculi, and in subsequent eras , by the Greeks and Romans. The original inhabited area stood in the Casale district, in the western part of Mount Calvario, today in the territory of Sant'Alessio Siculo. The current town was rebuilt around 1300. The earthquake of 1693 caused extensive damage throughout the town, in particular to the mother church which had just been rebuilt. At the beginning of the eighteenth century Forza d'Agrò experienced an important period of building development and some elegant buildings belonging to the wealthiest families in the town were built.
Dove si trova Forza D'Agrò? Forza D'Agrò è un comune della provincia di Messina. Sorge a 420 metri di altitudine e si affacia sulla costa Ionica. Dista 45 km dalla città di Messina e 17 km dalla città di Taormina. Il suo territorio ricade all'interno della Valle d'Agrò.
Come raggiungere Forza D'Agrò? Il modo più semplice per raggiungere Forza D'Agrò è utilizzare la propria auto e percorrere l’autostrada A18 Messina-Catania. Se si viaggia in direzione Messina si consiglia di uscire allo svincolo di Taormina, se si viaggia in direzione Catania si consiglia lo svincolo di Roccalumera. In entrambi i casi bisogna proseguire percorrendo la SS114 e imboccando la SP16 in direzione Forza D'Agrò. Il borgo dista circa 12,5 km da entrambi i caselli autostradali. E' possibile raggiungere Forza D'Agrò anche in treno: è necessario scendere alla Stazione di Santa Teresa di Riva e da lì prendere un bus o navetta diretta a Forza D'Agrò.
What is the best time to visit Forza d'Agrò?
Forza d'Agrò 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 Forza d'Agrò 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 historic center of Forza d'Agrò is a charming medieval village: narrow, winding streets, small and ancient houses dominated by the imposing remains of the Castello Argano. The sacred buildings of the village are of notable artistic value: the Church of the Santissima Annunziata, the mother church of the village; the Church of the Holy Trinity and the adjoining Augustinian convent which overlook on the panoramic Piazza della Triade, which is accessed via a suggestive staircase crowned by the Arco Durazzesco; the Church of San Francesco; the Church of Sant'Antonio; and the ruins of the Church of San Sebastiano. Two other churches originally fell within the territory of Forza d'Agrò: the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in the Casale district, the place where the ancient town of Forza D'Agrò stood, today in the territory of Sant'Alessio Siculo, and the Church of S.S. Pietro and Paolo d'Agrò, today in the territory of Casalvecchio Siculo. However, the Church of the Madonna Bambina was demolished in the 1950s. Worthy of note are some ancient palaces belonging to the wealthiest families in the town: Palazzo Miano-Pizzolo, Palazzo Mauro, Palazzo Bondì, Palazzo Garufi-Schipilliti and House Crisafulli. Of particular beauty is the Vicolo delle Carceri where the Prisons of Forza D'Agrò once stood. In Forza D'Agrò there are small squares and highly suggestive panoramic points: Villa Falcone with its Belvedere U Tunnu, and the Belvedere Dammuseddu. The village has a single hamlet, Scifì, a small town which it stands on the right bank of the Agrò river, and the outlet to the sea of the Fondaco district, also known as Marina D'Agrò.
Traditional Festivals, Events, Live Show,... Forza d'Agrò
The most heartfelt religious festival is the Festa del SS. Crucifix, a moment awaited by all devotees. It is celebrated on 14 September, the day of the exaltation of the Cross. On Easter Monday the traditional Laurel Festival takes place with the Procession of the Sacred Oils and the banners of 'laurel. During the Christmas period, the evocative Living Nativity Scene is organized among the most beautiful views of the historic centre. Among the food and wine events, the Cunzatu bread festival during which it is possible to taste specialties and typical products of the village.
Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Forza d'Agrò
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 territory of Forza D'Agrò is rich in vineyards, olive groves and citrus groves. The production of cheeses, cured meats, oil and wine is excellent. Among the typical dishes of the village, the Cuddura of Forza D'Agrò deserves particular attention, made with ancient Sicilian flours and characterized by the presence of egg. Once made only for the Easter holidays, they are today a symbol of peace and prosperity, so much so that they are often given as a sign of good luck. It is an ancient tradition to distribute cuddure on the day of Alloro Festival .
Nearby Places
Below you will find a list of the most beautiful places to visit in the surroundings of Forza d'Agrò. The places are located at a maximum distance of about an half hour by car. Good fun!
