MINEO

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Mineo, 511m a.s.l. and a population of nearly 7,000, is located in proximity to the Iblean Mountains.

THE CITY

It is a city of historical and cultural interest, hometown of writer Luigi Capuana, to whom a library-museum is dedicated. The Biblioteca-Museo houses an attractive reproduction of his study in the Milan home, and collects all his manuscripts, his personal library, documents and photos.

The tour of the town comprises several religious buildings. First is the Chiesa di San Tommaso, with a latin-cross plan and ornamented with 1700’s stuccoes and a splendid Deposition by Filippo Paladini going back to the 17^th century.

The 1700’s Collegiata di Santa Agrippina has an imposing look. Dedicated to the patron saint, it contains beautiful stuccoes depicting scenes from the Old Testament, a Nativity Crib comprised of various 1700’s figures, a 1500’s wooden statue representing the titular saint and a crypt, which is a destination of pilgrims.

The Chiesa di San Pietro was largely rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. Its façade features the statues of the Apostles. The interior, designed in the shape of a latin cross, is divided into three naves. It is adorned with various works of art, such as an altarpiece representing the Flagellation of Christ and a 1700’s gilded statue of Santa Lucia.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore has a basilical plan divided into three naves. It contains several notable pieces such as a 1600’painting of St. Peter, a 1500’s statue representing the Queen of the Angels, a 1700’s wooden choirstall and a magnificent polychrome marble altar.

The city surrounding area is as much interesting, with several sites of historical importance. In the San Cataldo district are the remains of the Mongiliano fortress, of supposed Norman origin. At the fartherst edge of town, bordering the city of Caltagirone, is the settlement of Piano Casazze, hosting remains of an outer wall of Greek origin.

A final mention must go to the necropolis of the Mulino della Badia, going back to the 10^th century BC.

HISTORY

The city history and growth is notably related to the cult of the Palici brothers that was professed in the Naftia (volcanic) lake district. According to tradition these two brothers were sons of the earth.

Archaeological relics discovered at the area, notably in the Rocchicella hill, seem to attest to very ancient settlements. Some historian has identified Mineo as the ancient Mene, founded by Sikel King Ducetius in the 5^th century BC.