Immersed in the natural reserve of the Nebrodi valley, San Teodoro is a small village that can certainly fascinate its visitors for the many monuments it houses, for its traditions but also for the fascinating history that is linked to its origins.
Below those who are interested in learning more and discovering some details about its history will be able to find all the useful information and directions to reach the village.
The origins of San Teodoro
Officially the origins of San Teodoro modern style can be traced back to the end of the XNUMXth century - beginning of the XNUMXth century. At that time there was a terrible cholera epidemic in the area and for this reason i Brunaccini princes they decided to move their residence to the slopes of Mount Abate, a higher position than where the town previously stood, i.e. in the Fondachello district.
Historical evidence has made it possible to trace this history, given that there was an ancient one in the area Arab tower with loopholes, to spot enemies, as well as the church of San Teodoro, a Roman centurion martyred for his Christian faith in 304 AD
It is precisely to the centurion that the legend of the birth of the country, although in reality the first official historical evidence dates back to 1303: a document says that Frederick III of Aragon gave the fiefdom of San Teodoro as a gift to Giordano Romano for his services in war.
San Teodoro in ancient and modern times
Upon Giordano's death, the fiefdom of San Teodoro began to pass from hand to hand until in 1633 the territory was given as a dowry to the noble Campulo family who then ceded the definitive title to the Brunaccini princes in 1678. Just a few years after coming into possession of the fiefdom, this family decided to establish a summer residence in the old town while in the winter one they moved to the Fondachello district, so much so that within a short time they financed the construction of the church of the Santissima Maria Annunziata as well as the construction of other buildings to make your stay more comfortable. The fiefdom remained firmly in the hands of the family until the end of the 1800th century, when feudal rights were abolished and the territory was transformed into a municipality.
What to see in San Teodoro (Messina)
A history as rich as that of village of San Teodoro obviously it has left traces in the many monuments that can be admired in the town.
First of all, visitors cannot avoid taking a tour of the Old Town, given that its construction dates back to Arab period and its influences are evident in the construction of narrow, checkerboard streets, typical of Muslims.
The construction of the church dates back to the end of the 1600s church of the Santissima Maria Annunziata, strongly desired by Prince Brunaccini as a sign of devotion towards the Mother of Jesus: today it houses the statue of San Gaetano, protector of the village.
In the immediate vicinity of the town, then, they can be admired Giuliano village, from the fascist era and now reduced to a ghost place, and the Nebrodi park, One of the largest natural reserves in Sicily.
What to do in San Teodoro
A visit to San Teodoro will be the right occasion to participate in the many institutional events, that the municipal administration organizes in the village.
The appointment for gourmets is obviously that of durum wheat and mutton festival, which is held every year in July and brings the best of local cuisine to the table.
From a religious point of view, however, one of the most heartfelt events is that of feast of San Gaetano, patron saint of the town, which is held in August and has as its main event the procession that takes the saint around the streets of the town to collect the honors of the faithful.
Finally, there is the Feast of the Most Holy Crucifix, which is held on the first Sunday of the month, and is celebrated on livestock and craft fair, another event that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
How to get to San Teodoro, Messina
Those who wish to get to San Teodoro to visit the village will be able to travel, by car, from Messina the A18 and then the SS120 to your destination. From Palermo and Trapani, on the other hand, you can first take the A20 and then the E90 while from Catania it is necessary to take the SS284. Finally, from Syracuse you must choose the E45 while from Enna the recommended road is the Ss121.
San Teodoro does not have its own railway station, so for those who want to travel on the train, it is possible to use the Acquedolci station, that of Sant'Agata di Militello or San Marco d'Alunzio as a reference, from which you can then continue with the local buses made available by the public company AST.
