Autonomy Square in Gallodoro

Piazza Autonomia is a modern open space that opens into the greenery of Gallodoro, a hill town in the Metropolitan City of Messina, in Sicily. The name of the Piazza a Gallodoro, however, reminds the fellow citizens of the town of the conquest of the longed-for autonomy from Letojanni, a coastal town which since the end of the 1700s dominated Gallodoro both economically and politically.

Over the previous years, the hamlet of Gallodoro had been bought by the noble Vigo family of Acireale and before that it was under the control of Taormina, while the revolutionary incursions of the Marquis of Gallodoro against the Spanish in the Messina Revolution brought results contrary to expectations: the freedom and autonomy arrived in Gallodoro only in 1952, when the municipality managed to definitively break away from Letojanni and obtain the establishment of its own municipality with regional law.
A very important moment in the history of the town, celebrated and remembered with the naming of the square located near the entrance to Gallodoro.

The square in Gallodoro, however, also celebrates the memory of its peasant and rural roots with the monument of the olive mill, in homage to the town's oil mill.

The architecture of piazza autonomi in Gallodoro and the monuments that overlook the square

This square in Gallodoro, which is accessed by a short stretch of asphalt road, is covered behind by dense vegetation, while it overlooks with a panoramic view protected by an iron balustrade, towards the foot of the hill.

On this side of the square, numerous wooden benches.
The polychromatic brick pavement covers almost the entire surface of the square, with the exception of the central area, where the modern sculpture of the Olive Mill is located. The life-size sculpture in concrete and stone symbolizes an oil mill, the tool with which the local peasant community used to grind olives.

Through these two symbolic elements, the statue and the name of the square in Gallodoro, the town remembers its peasant memory and all the efforts made to achieve independence.

What can be done in Piazza Autonomy in Gallodoro and the surrounding area

Gallodoro, 54 km from Messina and 57 km from Catania, is located along the Ionian coast of Sicily and its position allows you to quickly reach many of the island's natural and architectural beauties.

Piazza Autonomia, then, becomes the first stop on a tour of wonders: here on this hill terrace, you can sit on the benches for a moment of relaxation in contemplation of the splendid landscape; after knowing the history of Gallodoro, you can deepen your knowledge of the culture and traditions of the place: among the monuments to visit in the town, in Piazza S. Maria Assunta you can visit the Mother Church, parish of Gallodoro and center of cultural and art of the municipality.

In Piazza San Sebastiano, in addition to the church of the same name, you can take a tour of the Museum of Sacred Art, while to relax in the green lung of Gallodoro you can stop in Villa Padre Pio.

The villa named after the first Mayor of Gallodoro, Villa Antonino Paguni, is also beautiful: here too, the town's homage to the autonomy achieved in 1952 echoes, with sacred and civil monuments to admire, while children can have fun outdoors in the playground of the villa.
The tour of Gallodoro ends with the beautiful Piazza San Nicola with a view of the sea.

Those who want to spend a few days of holiday in the town can also take advantage of it to reach Messina or Catania, where they will find countless beauties.
In Catania, a walk up to is recommended Piazza del Duomo or the splendid Cathedral of Sant'Agata, before getting lost in the streets of the city; in Messina, among the most beautiful religious buildings are the Duomo and the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, but even in this city, with a simple walk in the center you will find monuments and attractions not to be missed everywhere.

Those who love nature will find Gallodoro the perfect center from which to explore the beautiful Ionian coast of Sicily, with its beaches: from Letojanni beach to Mazzeo beach, passing through the Regional Naturalistic Museum of Isolabella and Villa Caronia, which is located just 10 km from Gallodoro. Even the seabed in these parts is an attraction for divers, who can book an excursion at the Blue Sea Diving Center in Taormina.

Those who prefer mountain landscapes can reach the with about 65 km by car Etna park, where you can go hiking, trekking and birdwatching.
The genuine products of the island also contribute to making the Sicilian holiday even more unforgettable, which can be tasted in the numerous restaurants in the area, but also purchased at the local markets or directly in the farmhouses.

How to get to piazza autonomi in Gallodoro

Gallodoro, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, can be reached by train or car.
Those traveling by carriage can get off at Taormina station, which is about 6,5 km from the town and continue by bus; those who prefer the car can take the A18, turn towards Taormina and continue on the SS 114 following the signs for Gallodoro.
Once you arrive in Gallodoro, Piazza Autonomia is the first square you encounter upon entering the town.