The history of Santa Domenica Vittoria encompasses several important phases capable of enhancing this town in Messina in full swing.
Today it has less than 900 inhabitants, but in the past it played an important role especially during the feudal age. Here's what you need to know about the origins and traditions of a constantly evolving territory, which manages to keep its historical charm intact.
The origins of Santa Domenica Vittoria
The history of Santa Domenica Vittoria officially opens to beginning of the seventeenth century, when Sebastiano Pagano he purchased a piece of land from the feudal area of Roccella and made it an autonomous lordship. Santa Domenica and Porritto were the two main fiefdoms, followed by Juncarà Soprano and Pozzoleo. Even today, these edges all together constitute the present municipality of Santa Domenica Vittoria. The choice of the latter name should in any case date back to years prior to 1628, given that a specific act already mentions it in this way.
The legend of Virgin Sunday
Based on what is handed down from various sources, the story of Santa Domenica Vittoria is connected to legend of a virgin dating back to the dawn of Christianity.
After the end of the era of persecution, Christians had had the opportunity to pray and meditate without hiding anymore. The Virgin was able to hide in a cave located in a district, later entitled Domenica precisely because that was her name. After several years of hiding, she was found by her relatives but she decided to move to Adrano, a town in which she died after performing several miracles.
The growth of the city of Santa Domenica Vittoria
After its feudal origins, Santa Domenica Vittoria experienced long periods of notable expansion. It was a perfect place to experience moments of absolute relaxation, with many citizens ready to move from their socially suffocating locations. As the years passed, the district transformed into a perfect asylum for the marginalized, later recognized by the princes of Villafranca. Those who were persecuted by local justice could easily settle in Santa Domenica Vittoria and be helped by the Alliata family.
Why was the name Vittoria added to Santa Domenica
In 1776, Mrs Victory By Giovanni Alliata he transformed the local church into a parish. It was precisely for this reason that the district was named after her starting from 1864, marking another important moment in the history of Santa Domenica Vittoria.
The woman came to the aid of the orphans and helped finance the local party, as well as helping hospitals and parishes. Despite the progress, the families of the town continued to live humbly and using only essential means.
How to reach Santa Domenica Vittoria
To get to Santa Domenica Vittoria, you can by car take the A20 motorway and exit at Falcone or the A18 for Fiumefreddo, with both junctions located 24 kilometers from the town. By train, the stations of San Pietro-Patti and Giarre Riposto are available, 25 and 29 kilometers from the centre.
