Francavilla di Sicilia
Hello everyone, here is the wonderful Francavilla di Sicilia!
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Francavilla di Sicilia, a town located in the metropolitan city of Messina, in Sicily. This beautiful city has a population of 3544 inhabitants and is located in the center of the Valle dell'Alcantara, north of Mount Etna, on the left bank of the Alcantara river.
Origin of the name
But where does the name of this splendid town come from? According to legend, the name Francavilla derives from the term "franc-ville", which means "Free City", because the city was originally exempt from paying taxes. However, other hypotheses indicate that the name may be linked to the figure of the Dolphin of France, who, according to legend, fell in love with Angelina, daughter of the feudal lord of Castiglione, a town near Francavilla. In any case, the name of the city is rich in interesting history and legends.
The history of Francavilla
The history of Francavilla has been marked by numerous events and occurrences that have influenced the life of the city. Although it has ancient origins, the true founding date is reported to be the twelfth century. The historic center of the city developed around the castle, between 1000 and 1100, but the first historical data dates back to the ninth century. At that time, the settlement was governed by a proto-pope of Greek rite, although the city had a strong development only from the 1250s onwards.
Geographical notes
Francavilla di Sicilia is located on the left bank of the Alcantara river, which runs through the city. The territory of the city is also crossed by the San Paolo river and the Zavianni stream, both of which are tributaries of the Alcantara. In addition, the city is located at the end of the Peloritani Mountains, near Portella Mandrazzi, and at the first peaks of the Nebrodi Mountains.
What to see in Francavilla
But what is there to see in Francavilla di Sicilia? The city offers numerous tourist attractions for curious visitors.
One of the most interesting places to visit is certainly the Castle of Francavilla, located on top of a hill overlooking the city. The castle dates back to the thirteenth century and has been renovated many times throughout history to adapt to new defensive needs. Today the castle is open to the public and can be visited after a short walk.
Another interesting place to visit is the Mother Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, located in the historic center of Francavilla. This church dates back to the sixteenth century and has been renovated several times over the years, especially after a severe earthquake that struck the city in 1908.
Finally, the city is famous for the Gurne dell'Alcantara, a spectacular system of natural waterfalls and pools that form along the river. Here you can take a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the river, admiring the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Francavilla di Sicilia is a city rich in history and natural beauty. If you are looking for an interesting tourist destination in Sicily, I highly recommend visiting this splendid city, which will surprise you with its beauty and its historical and artistic heritage. Thank you for reading my article and I hope to have intrigued you to visit this jewel of Sicily!
