In the Messina area, framed by the lush nature of the Nebrodi Mountains and the Naso river, there is Sinagra, a center rich in history.
Characteristic paved streets overlooking noble palaces, each distinguished by its family coat of arms which dominate ancient and important portals, centuries-old churches and the historical testimony that emerges from the remains of a mighty manor, is what a tourist capable of appreciating the typical features of a remote beauty.
Sinagra is this but also much more, knowing its history.
The origin of Sinagra
It is hypothesized, with good reason, that the origin of the first agglomeration on which the town of Sinagra, can be traced back to the Romans so much so that its name could derive from the Latin Sinus Aggerisper, which indicated an inlet or a place where the current of the Naso Torrent, she became impetuous.
Despite this first indication, it is believed that it was the Greeks to found Sinagra so much so that its name could be a mix between the Latin Sinus, meaning inlet, and the Greek Kryo, meaning cold, to indicate an inlet that leads to cold territories such as those of the Nebrodi which are often snow-covered in winter.
The first documents certifying Sinagra date back toNorman era in Sicily. In fact, at the end of the XNUMXth century Sinagra was part of a list of castles and towns that Count Ruggero d'Altavilla gave to the monks of Troina. In the middle of the XNUMXth century Pope Eugene III assigned Sinagra to the diocese of Messina and about a century later it was transferred under the aegis of the bishop of Patti and, finally to the Lancia family who, by their desire, had the Carmelite monks settle in that city.
Sinagra was not exempt, over the centuries, from suffering extensive damage caused by both floods and earthquakes but it was always rebuilt, maintaining its agricultural and pastoral vocation.
What to see in Sinagra
The tourist who goes to Sinagra for the first time cannot fail to notice the contrast that exists between the silence of the woods andimpetuous noise of the waters of the Naso Torrent. We stay enchanted by nature which triumphs with the green of the extensive hazelnut groves as well as the crystalline blue of the river, and then immediately conquered by the alternation of the urban fabric which brings out historic buildings among modern palaces.
What characterizes Sinagra it is the color of many flowers which make everything more alive so much so that the town has become part of the National Circuit of Flowering Municipalities, also winning the Quality Seal of the Living Environment.
It deserves the title of being there Pearl of the Nebrodi also for the history that has passed leaving an unmistakable trace in the noble palaces and in the narrow paved streets that recall a time gone by.
In addition to this rarefied atmosphere, one cannot fail to visit the remains of the ancient Castle which, even today, maintains its intact clock tower as well as a part of the courtyard and some perimeter walls. Everything in perfect harmony with the Church of Sant'Antonio which fits perfectly into the context and offers the opportunity to experience the historic center of Sinagra often the scene of cultural events.
Not to be missed, on the slopes of the hill where the Castle, Cave of Blessed Diego. It is a natural cavity where the Blessed - originally from the place - lived after having created a sort of bed to rest and a kneeler where he could pray.
The nineteenth century is interesting Mother Church dedicated in honor of San Michele Arcangelo inside which there is a precious marble triptych by Gagini which represents the Madonna della Catena in the center and San Michele Arcangelo and San Giovanni Evangelista on its sides.
Among the oldest buildings in Sinagra is the Church of the Crucifix, embellished with a medieval bell tower. Inside the church there is a statue depicting Saint Catherine, probably by the Gagini school, as well as a richly decorated wooden crucifix.
To be admired, always in the centre, Salleo Palace owned by the Sicilian family of the same name, today a location for cultural events and events.
Sinagra turns out to be the perfect destination for all those tourists who, eager to get to know Sicily intimately, implement the traditional destinations with a location that has a lot to offer and where you can breathe a particular atmosphere.
