Castiglione di Sicilia
Castiglione di Sicilia is part of the network of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
It lies on a large rock nestled between the Alcantara valley and the northern slope of Mount Etna. It is one of the few medieval villages preserved around the Etna volcano. The castle of Castiglione has had an important role in the history of Sicily.
The name of the town derives from the Latin “Castrum Leonis” (Castle of the Lion). This castle still dominates the highest rock of the town. The town was founded around 496 B.C., when the inhabitants of Naxos fled from here when their city was destroyed. Currently the town has about 3700 inhabitants.
The patron saint of the city is the Madonna della Catena. She is honored on the first Sunday of May.
What to see in Castiglione di Sicilia
The best things to see are:
- Its medieval castle “Castle of the Lion
- Its watchtower called “Cannizzu”.
- The Byzantine Cuba “Santa Domenica”
- The Church Madonna di Lourdes,
- The Church S. Antonio of the XVII,
- The historical center with its small streets make it unique
- The Alcantara Gorges
Castiglione di Sicilia falls within the Etna d.o.c. area, in fact the major producers of Etna wine have invested in this territory.
Accommodations Castiglione di Sicilia
Want to stay in Castiglione di Sicilia? These are the accommodations we personally visited and recommend!
Castiglione di Sicilia and Mount Etna
The territory of Castiglione di Sicilia reaches the summit of the volcano Etna. Several are the lava flows that have affected the wooded area, and numerous are the volcanic caves that have been discovered.
When you walk on the Altomontana track, a good part of it crosses the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia, until you reach the fantastic Timparossa refuge.