SANT'AGATA DI MILITELLO

Sant’Agata di Militello is a town in the province of Messina with a population of 13,000 inhabitants. It enjoys a privileged position at only 30 metres from the Nebrodi’s Tyrrhenian shore and is bordered by a fertile and rich countryside covered with olive and citrus plantations and lush woods. Further, a nearby area endowed with uncontaminated rock formations has been recently designated a protected area.

Sant’Agata di Militello grew up around the Torre della Marina, a coastal watch-tower erected in the 13^th century serving to protect the city of Militello Valdemone. In the 1500s, it was completed with the construction of a fortification. For several centuries, the city was ruled by the members of the Aragonese Gallego family, and, since 1820, by the Prince of Trabia. In 1857, it became administratively autonomous from the city of Militello.

It is dotted with many interesting cultural sites, most of which are scattered across the town centre. Among these are a few noble palazzi, such as Palazzo Faraci, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Gentile.

The Castello Gallego, largely modified throughout the centuries, is a landmark. Presently, it encloses a large square courtyard that provides access to the ground floor housing the storehouses, the guard rooms and the stables, and to the upper floor that accomodated the noble rooms.

Another renowned attraction is the Arco di Sant’Agata or Porta di Mare.

The Chiesa Madre was built in the 19^th century. Divided into three naves, it houses the Cappella del Sacramento, being its most ancient part, adorned with baroque altars decorated with marble carvings. Stuccoes and other works of art from the 19^th century ornament the interior of the church.

The Museo Etnoantropologico dei Nebrodi is very interesting. It is divided into three sections, respectively devoted to “the woman and the woman’s work”, “the rural life and work” and “the traditions and religion”.

In the city surroundings are spots of high naturalistic interest, such as the coastal side of the Nebrodi Mountains, recommended for excursions, and an equally attractive countryside.

Beyond S. Agata, in the Serra Quaranta and Spartà districts, leading directly into the Park, are breath-taking spots like the Rosmarino and Inganno creeks, the Maurazzo lake, Militello and Alcara, the Rocche del Crasto, Rocca Priola, Monte Mueli and Monte Soro, the wood of Mangalaviti, and the Biviere Lake.