What to see, things to do, what to eat, interesting facts
State: SR - Area: Siracusa surroundings
Melilli, a city called the terrace of the Ibleans, is a site of great artistic, historical and naturalistic charm.
The strategic position of the place, located between the major cities of Augusta and Syracuse, played a crucial role for the its growth. The presence of man in this territory has been attested since the Bronze Age by the presence of numerous necropolises. In the Byzantine era, it is believed that Melilli was a small rural agglomeration and that, due to the Arab and Berber incursions that began in 827 AD, it attracted the inhabitants of the surrounding villages due to its natural fortified position. The first information about the current town dates back to the 12th century, when the Casale di Melilli was aggregated by King Frederick II of Swabia to the royal state property town of Augusta, which he himself founded. In the feudal period Melilli was a fiefdom of various princes and barons until 1406 when it passed to the royal state property. In 1466 it became a barony of the Moncada family who held it until 1812. On 27 August 1842 Melilli became an independent municipality.
The city has been hit, throughout its history, by the devastating earthquakes of 1542 and 1693.
Where is Melilli located?
Melilli is a municipality in the province of Syracuse. It rises at 310 meters above sea level about 10 km from the Ionian coast. It is 25 km from the city of Syracuse, 50 km from the city of Catania and 250 km from the city of Palermo.
How to reach Melilli?
The simplest way to reach Melilli is to use your own car and take the Catania-Siracusa motorway, exit at the junction for Zona Industriale Melilli, and continue on the SP95 towards Melilli. Melilli is about 5 km from the motorway junction.
It is also possible to reach Melilli by train: it is necessary to get off at Melilli-Priolo and from there take a bus or shuttle direct to the city of Melilli.
What is the best time to visit Melilli?
Melilli can be visited all year round: the welcome and warmth of the Sicilians will amaze you. But for an unforgettable experience, admiring the colors, tasting the flavors and fully experiencing the traditions, it is advisable to plan a visit on the days of one of the festivals that take place in Melilli during the year.
If you want to know about upcoming festivals and events Click here and you will find a list of the most important ones.
This territory, over the centuries, has been enriched by many architectural structures of high cultural value.
Madonna delle Grazie Church in Melilli
Marcellino Valley in Villasmundo - Melilli
Madonna del Soccorso Church in Melilli
Fireworks Machine in Melilli
Basilica of San Sebastiano in Melilli
Town Hall Building in Melilli
Church of the Holy Spirit in Melilli
Church of Sant'Antonio Abate in Melilli
Convent of the Capuchins in Melilli
Mother Church of Melilli
Church of the Carmine in Melilli
Path of the Hundred Stairs in Melilli
Quarry of Sant'Antonio in Melilli
Monumental Water Tank in Melilli
Villasmundo-Sant'Alfio Speleological Complex in Melilli
Municipal Library in Melilli
From a naturalistic point of view, Melilli is one of the most interesting sites on the island: the Marcellino river offers various caves, an enchanting natural environment and an ancient necropolis.
Traditional Festivals, Events, Live Show, Concerts,... Melilli
Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Melilli
You can obviously taste all the typical products of Sicilian cuisine, the most well-known ones, such as cannoli, Sicilian cassata, arancini, etc. But there are some specialties typical of this area that are more difficult to find in other areas of Sicily.
The preparation of cheeses and dairy products from bovine and sheep's milk is also widespread in Melilli. The cheeses produced are caciocavalli, provola, forms of pecorino (fresh known as "Primosale" or a little more mature) but also dairy products such as the delicious sheep's ricotta, from the preparation of which "Tuma" is also obtained.To view a list of business activity within tourism in Melilli Click here
