Grammichele
Grammichele: The Hexagonal Town of Sicily
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk about Grammichele, a small town in the metropolitan city of Catania in Sicily. With its 12,445 inhabitants, it is located on the western slopes of the Iblei Mountains and is distinguished by its hexagonal layout, a rare example of rational architecture in Italy.
Origins of the Name
The name Grammichele comes from the location on which the town was built, where the inhabitants of Occhiolà moved to after it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1693.
History
After the earthquake that also destroyed Occhiolà in 1693, Prince Carlo Maria Carafa Branciforte founded the settlement of Grammichele on his feudal land, about 2 km from the hill of Occhiolà. With the help of Fra' Michele da Ferla, he chose a hexagonal layout for the new town, which was also adopted in Avola. The central square, where the Church of San Michele Arcangelo and the Town Hall are located, is also hexagonal, while five ring roads wind around it, from which six perpendicular roads lead to rectangular squares.
In 1905, there was an episode of violence during a demonstration against tax bills, a symbol of exploitation and poverty for the local population. The police opened fire, causing the death of seven demonstrators.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the municipality of Grammichele was granted by the President of the Republic on May 24, 2005. The banner is a yellow cloth with a red border.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Civil Architecture
One of the main attractions of Grammichele is the Town Hall, which was built according to the project of the Milanese architect Carlo Sada in 1888. The building underwent several modifications over the years, but still appears as an imposing and elegant structure.
Surroundings
Grammichele is surrounded by a green and lush countryside, where numerous vineyards and olive groves can be found. Nearby, it is worth visiting the city of Catania, rich in monuments and tourist attractions, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria di Catania, the Ursino Castle and the Benedictine Monastery.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Grammichele reflects Sicilian culinary traditions, characterized by strong and decisive flavors. Among the local specialties, you can taste pasta alla Norma, made with eggplants, tomatoes, and smoked ricotta cheese, and arancino, a typical savory street food composed of flavored rice and fried.
Events
In Grammichele, numerous events are organized throughout the year, including the Feast of San Michele Arcangelo in September and the Patronal Feast in October, with musical shows, stalls, and exhibitions.
In short, if you are looking for an original and characteristic destination in Sicily, Grammichele is the place for you! Its hexagonal architecture, monuments, and good food are waiting for you for a vacation full of relaxation and culture.
