Militello in Val di Catania is a Sicilian municipality which was included in 2002, for its historical value, among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It rises to the north of the Hyblaean mountains about 45 kilometers from Catania. Its great value has been recognized as a site, still existing and in good condition, from the late Baroque age.
History and origins of Militello in Val di Catania
Militello is, as per historical evidence, inhabited since ancient times. The difference though is that it was once known as Militello in Val di Noto. Even today there are many archaeological areas that can be admired and these date back to the copper, bronze and iron ages as well as to the Hellenistic, Byzantine and Arab periods. There are therefore historical assets of immense value.
On the foundation there are a mix of historical elements and legends that have intertwined over time. The most famous traces the foundation of Militello during the Second Punic War when Roman troops besieged Syracuse, but to escape an epidemic they looked for a place to camp. Not far away they found, along the coast, a plateau where the waters were clear and the air clean. So they founded Militum Tellus, or Land of soldiers which then gave the current name.
This story, while intriguing, is only partially plausible. What is probable, as the testimonies suggest, is that the inhabited center was born under the control of the Normans and that the toponym refers to the division of the lands implemented by Count Roger I towards his army. However, Militello in Val di Catania has had a rather eventful history.
In the feudal age its fiscal and military capacity developed. In 1473, however, there was a crime of passion: Aldonza Santapau, Marquis and wife of the Baron of Militello, was accused of adultery and killed by her husband together with her lover, “Bellopede”, a dancer. Over the centuries this has become the main story that has fueled the local folk tales, also giving rise to famous novellas such as Cavalry Rusticana by Giovanni Verga.
For many centuries in Militello also lived one Jewish community complete with a synagogue. When it was the turn of the Branciforte government, the city was enriched with buildings, churches, fountains, libraries and even a printing house which was among the first ever where Pietro Carrera's game of chess was produced, still today the main guide at the game of chess.
The earthquake of January 1693 destroyed almost everything, but this was the driving force behind a profound restructuring that led to many noble palaces including the Monastery of San Benedetto which has always been the heart of the economic and cultural life of Militello.
In the modern age the city was dedicated to silk, potassium salts for soap, the production of glue and gunpowder. To a lesser extent also the processing of tobacco, cereals, leather. With the end of feudalism, the great leaders arrived but the situation of Militello became more and more difficult. An improvement occurred only in the XNUMXth century. Today the economy is based on agriculture and handicrafts, but it is one of the places with the greatest artistic and monumental heritage.
Up to 2002 with the recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site which brought the country an important relaunch as regards the tourism sector.
What to see in Militello Val di Catania
Militello Val di Catania is practically full of churches in every corner, there are so many that it is impossible to count them. Some are kept in excellent condition, others are decadent and others still closed. There Mother Church is dedicated to San Nicolò and the Santissimo Salvatore and dates back to 1721, the previous church was destroyed in the earthquake. They are also very famous there Church of Santa Maria della Stella,former abbey of San Benedetto, Church of Santa Maria la Vetere. From an architectural point of view, one of the most beautiful is the Church of the Madonna della Catena which dates back to the sixteenth century. Many churches arise in the middle of wild nature, looking at the town from afar you notice this very particular feature.
Also worth seeing are the palaces, especially the Baldanza Palace which dates back to the eighteenth century and is huge and luxurious. Very particular the Iatrini Palace which is from 1717 and is very scenic with a perfect garden. For those who love the Baroque to visit Palazzo Liggieri which reaches up to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. The Palazzo Majorana della Nicchiara instead it is one of the few testimonies still standing of sixteenth-century life. Nicephorus Palace it is a real jewel, Palazzo Sciannaca was the birthplace of Pippo Baudo.
The heritage is truly immense, it is not surprising that Militello Val di Catania is UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also multiple museums you can visit, the civic Museum and the Historical Archive which was inaugurated in 2007, the Museum of Sacred Art which is from 1985 where the entire history of the city is collected, the Treasury of Santa Maria della Stella which contains works of art from all the parishes, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Gallery.
Things to do in Militello Val di Catania
Militello is not the ideal place only for those who love history, architecture and ancient beauties but also for those who love nature. In the southern part are the Ossena waterfalls on the border with Frankfurt. These are located in a breathtaking setting nestled between trees and rocks. Very special is also the Carcarone quarry, a very deep canyon, far from the town, where there were numerous human settlements in prehistoric times. There are many fossil corals and it is really special.
To admire the uses and peculiarities of the place it is fun to take part in the local market which takes place on Tuesdays. This takes place on Viale Regina Margherita. There are also some historic fairs that take place at certain times of the year and others of great beauty that have since disappeared over time.
Gastronomic specialties of Militello Val di Catania
Militello is very famous for its kitchen, the most famous product is the I'm from India one of the local excellences that is served as a dessert after a meal. They are also very tasty cassatelline, puff pastry baskets filled with almonds, fruit, chocolate, cinnamon and icing. They are also famous mostaccioli, winter cookies, i bandages, a typically Christmas dessert, the pirate which is prepared with cooked wine, the toasted almond granita, the cannoli. The pastry shop is certainly the most famous but they are also renowned for theolive oil and wine in addition to the focaccia from Militello known as crushed.
© Image by Masigu, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
