1350 inhabitants, 616 meters above sea level, 4 hamlets that make up the small Sicilian municipality: we are in Longi, in the Metropolitan City of Messina and within the boundaries of the village, there are many treasures to be discovered.
Located in the northern area of the Nebrodi Park, Municipality of Longi it is located in a strategic position, from which it is easy to reach Bronte, Capo d'Orlando, Milazzo and Messina itself; among churches and museums, restaurants and B&Bs, Longi reserves you a very special welcome: get ready to leave by discovering origins and traditions of Longi, to appreciate yours even more stay in Sicily.
From Crasto to Longi, a journey through history
Longi's story begins approximately in IX century, when the Arab invasions forced the inhabitants of Crasto, of Sican origin, to abandon the city, heading towards the east and founding a new center along the course of the Fitalia river: Castrum Longum was a military outpost, but in a short time around the fort the houses developed and Longum became a real village, dominated by the Lancia family and then by the Longi until the XNUMXs, with its Mother Church built in the second half of the XNUMXth century and the XNUMXth century Castle.
Over time Longum became Alongi and then, nowadays, Longi: a town where history has left traces to be discovered.
Longi: what to see
Il village of Longi it develops all around the Castle, which can be accessed by climbing the numerous stairways of the town and crossing ancient alleys. L'medieval building it is kept in excellent condition and in the structure different stratifications are visible which recall the succession of the eras. There Church of St. Michael the Archangel is that Mother: among the numerous beauties that can be admired in the parish, the fifteenth-century bell tower stands out, incorporated into the structure of the sacred building and the statue of the Madonna, attributed to Gagini. Inside the Church sacred furnishings and beautiful stained glass windows to admire. Among the other churches in the village, we mention the Church of S. Annunziata, while those who love nature can stop at the Petagna Naturalistic Museum, where over 500 photos are exhibited that reproduce the environment of the area.
From photographic exhibitions to real nature, one arrives by leaving the town, going as far as Caves of the Laurelwhere they can be done excursions visiting the Nebrodi Park.
Other interesting destinations for tourists in these parts are Lake Biviere, the Stretta with the mountains that seem to touch each other, the beech woods of the "Mari e Monti" where you can also visit the houses of the Mangalaviti. Those who prefer the sea can travel north and in a short time will arrive at Sant'Agata di Militello, where along the coast they are found beautiful beaches until you reach Capo d'Orlando, just 24 km from the town.
Traditions in Longi
When it comes to traditions, in Longi livestock and agriculture, food and celebrations immediately come to mind.
Mushrooms and olives, cereals, chestnuts and hazelnuts are the main products of the land which, for generations, have brought prestige to the farmers of the area; as far as breeding is concerned, however, the protagonist is the Nebrodi black pig, in whose honor even one was established festival, which has now become traditional, the 5th of January.
Among the typical local dishes in Longi you can taste preparations based on mushrooms, black pig salami, homemade bread and desserts.
In the square, tradition meets the Feast of the Patron Saint, San Leone, which is celebrated on three different days during the year, and the Easter party, which ends in the U Scontru in the square, where the statue of the Madonna and the Risen Christ meet.
Small travel tips
Among fascinating natural landscapes and surprising works of art, in Longi you will also find restaurants, bars and clubs, open-air shows and agritourisms where you can make really tasty purchases. For your stay in the village, choose the accommodation facilities of the village, such as B&Bs, holiday homes or local farmhouses, which welcome you with great hospitality.
How to get to Longi
Longi, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, can be reached by car or train.
Who arrives in the car, can take the A20 Messina-Buonfornello, taking the exit closest to the town, the one for Rocca di Capri Leone, just 9 km from the village.
Who travels on the train, can get off at the stations of S. Agata Militello (11 km) or Capo d'Orlando Naso (14 km) and continue the journey towards Longi by bus or shuttle.
Image of David Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
