Basicò
Basicò: a place full of history and culture
Basicò is a small town in Sicily, located in the metropolitan city of Messina with a population of about 568 inhabitants. The history of this town is very interesting, with ancient origins. The name Basicò comes from the homonymous monastery of Santa Maria di Basicò, which existed during the time of Frederick II of Swabia.
Monuments and Tourist Attractions
Basicò is a place rich in historical monuments and points of interest. Among the most important tourist attractions are the religious architectures. The Church of San Francesco d'Assisi dates back to the sixteenth century and has three aisles. Inside, you can admire traces of modernizations that have taken place over the centuries and a small parish museum. The bell tower, built in various phases, is about 22 meters high and equipped with 6 bells. Since 1876, it has been equipped with a clock that chimes every quarter and hour.
The Church of San Biagio, dating back to the sixteenth century, is a single-nave church and houses an important wooden altar from the eighteenth century and a seventeenth-century statue of San Biagio. The Church of Santa Maria is the first religious building in Basicò, erected in 1262. In 1933, it was closed for safety reasons and degraded in 1943. It was demolished in 1986, and the current municipal building was constructed in part of its area.
Among the civil tourist attractions are the Baronial Palace De Maria and the Foti Palace. The Baronial Palace De Maria dates back to the sixteenth century and was the noble residence until 1812. Renovated in 2005, the palace is now a place for conferences and ceremonies, but it also houses a library with over 1000 volumes and three reading rooms. The rest of the structure was used for the function of warehouses and stables; now, we find a conference room and a small museum called "Museum of Arts and Traditions," dedicated to the processing of bread and cheese, specifically the provola basicotana. The courtyard of the Baronial Palace is also used by the local theater company to bring their comedies to life in a charming historical-architectural setting.
The Foti Palace dates back to the seventeenth century and rises on a building from the fifteenth century. It preserves some ogival arches and served as the Governor's residence and then as the residence for the Foti barons.
A land of cheeses and culture
Basicò is known throughout Sicily for the production of cheeses, particularly the provola basicotana, whose festival is one of the oldest in Sicily; the first edition was held in 1972, precisely in the courtyard of the Baronial Palace. This cheese has a strong and original taste that comes from a particular processing method.
Basicò's culture is very rich and is reflected in its architectural and artistic heritage, but also in the life of the community. The local theater company represents works in Sicilian dialect and stages funny and engaging comedies. Popular tradition is alive and participatory, and the patronal festivals have great significance for citizens, but also for tourists who visit Basicò.
The municipality of Basicò is a unique place where history, tradition, and culture meet naturally, creating an authentic and characteristic town. The beauty of the surrounding landscape is another characteristic that makes this town one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Sicily.
Conclusion
Basicò is a magical place that never ceases to amaze visitors with its landscape, history, and culture. The local community is welcoming and participatory, and the architectural and artistic heritage is unique in the world. Visiting Basicò means coming into contact with the past, but also with the authenticity and charm of Sicily. It is worth visiting this town to admire its beauty and discover its culture and tradition.
