Castiglione di Sicilia

Stretching out over 120 sq km, Castiglione di Sicilia is one of the largest municipalities in the province of Catania. It has a population of about 3,000 inhabitants, divided between the historical centre itself and the various hamlets Gravà, Mitogio, Passopisciaro, Solicchiata, Rovittello, Verzella. The area straddles two regional parks, Etna and Alcantara. Since prehistoric times, it has been located on a ridge of sandstone rock and the site where Castiglione currently stands has always been a strategic control point for the Alcantara Valley. The ancient medieval city was characterised by its surrounding wall that had nine access gates: del Re, Speziale, Castello, Pagana, Giudecca, Portello, Bucceria, San Pietro, San Martino – burgum or porta Priolo, while the smaller villages remained outside the wall. What remains of the ancient urban fabric is the classic medieval centre with radial alleys that eventually climb up to the top of the village where the tall and majestic Castle of Ruggero di Lauria looks out over the surrounding area. The more recently built part of town overlaps with the actual historic centre in an alternation of more modern streets and squares. Passing through the historic centre, many old noble palaces are noticeable. Here, as well as in the churches, you can clearly see the alternation of architectural and construction elements in igneous stone and sandstone. The area is world famous for the production of Etna Doc wines. The town is part of the initiative Borghi più Belli d’Italia.