One of the most evocative places in Sicily, known not only nationally but also internationally, is certainly Sant'Agata di Militello.
The location is located in province of Messina and it completely overlooks the sea: every year it is a destination for visitors who appreciate not only the beauty of its beaches but also its cultural richness.
Here, then, is everything you need to know to discover Sant'Agata di Militello.
Visit Sant'Agata di Militello
The territory on which Sant'Agata di Militello stands is rich in history because this area, enclosed to the east by the sea and to the west by the countryside and surrounded by what is today the Nebrodi Park, since ancient times it has been chosen by local populations for its fertility but also for its easy access to the sea which has also transformed it into a crossroads of populations. Precisely this geographical position has caused numerous foreign dominations over time, the signs of which are still visible today in the town and in the surrounding areas. Every year visitors are attracted to Sant'Agata di Militello certainly for its beauty beaches but also because a holiday in this area allows you to combine entertainment with culture, thanks to a rich calendar of events which includes some highly anticipated events such as the fair, between the oldest and most important in Italy.
The history of Sant'Agata di Militello
Although Sant'Agata di Militello has been inhabited since ancient times, its history officially begins in 1371. In that year, in fact, Vinciguerra of Aragon at the behest of King Frederick IV of Aragon it received the barony of Militello and from that moment the town had an enormous development, thanks to the architectural works carried out by the new baron, belonging to the Gallego family. For example, one of the most characteristic places in Militello at that time was the Marina Tower, a fortified structure that in the XNUMXth century served the then inhabitants of Militello Valdemone, as the locality was called in the Middle Ages, to spot the arrival of enemies. In the sixteenth century the structure was judged insufficient for the purpose and so it was decided to place a second fort tower alongside it.
One of the most important works of the Gallegos, however, can certainly be considered the castle which was built starting in 1663 by Luigi, son of Vincenzo Gallego who in 1628 had received permission from the king to build around the tower. In 1657, however, King Philip IV gave the family the so-called fire populandi which allowed the population of the village that was born on the seashore, outside the Gallego castle. In 1820 the noble title and the lands connected to it in Sant'Agata di Militello were sold to the Prince of Trabia but a few years later all feudal privileges were abolished.
The most representative monuments of Sant'Agata di Militello
Among the most representative monuments of Sant'Agata di Militello we obviously cannot fail to include the Galician Castle which, as we could see shortly before, is the central nucleus around which the locality as it appears today arose. The structure, which clearly has the function of fortification, but over the centuries has undergone notable transformations which have made it a cross between a fort and a royal residence. However, it is not the only monument that can be visited in the city. There are, in fact, several noble palaces, built around the end of the XNUMXth century, in full Art Nouveau or Baroque style. It is also worth a visit Mother Church, also known as Duomo, recently underwent a major renovation.
The events of Sant'Agata di Militello
To discover Sant'Agata di Militello you can take advantage of one of the events that are organized in this location every year. As already mentioned, one of these, perhaps the most important one, is the great fair which is usually held in the month of April and which showcases the best of the craftsmanship and food and wine of this area: in addition to ceramic, wrought iron, textile and food products, you can also take part in the buying and selling of livestock farm. Then there is the food festival which is an event that attracts those with a sweet tooth because it is an opportunity to taste some typical dishes and products that characterize these territories. Finally, the feast of Saint Joseph which is also the patron of the city and is held every year on March 19th.
What to eat in Sant'Agata di Militello
Obviously in Sant'Agata di Militello a typically Sicilian cuisine is made, so during the various culinary events and festivals dedicated to food you can taste dishes that bring back all the flavors of the sea, the land and the sun from the first bite.
Among the specialties that deserve a taste during a journey to discover Sant'Agata di Militello is the buccellato which is a typical dessert composed of shortcrust pastry and enriched with figs, grapes, almonds and orange. Another typical dessert is represented by cucciddateddi, small filled pastries that include a mixture of figs, pine nuts, cocoa and raisins. Among the savory dishes, however, the lardu chinu, which is chicken stuffed with rice, meat and cheese, or the maccu which is a sort of fish soup that is enriched with couscous.
How to get to Sant'Agata di Militello
Reaching Sant'Agata di Militello is very simple because the locality is really well connected. In fact it is enough to take by car, both from Messina and Palermo on the A20 motorway, the reference toll booth in both cases is Sant'Agata di Militello.
Those who prefer the train as a means of getting around, you can leave from Messina with one of the regional lines which stops right at the Sant'Agata station.
Finally, the town is also served by a transport service bus numbers offered by the Etnea transport company.
