Limina
A mountain location overlooking the Ionian Sea
Limina is a municipality located in the metropolitan city of Messina in Sicily, with a population of around 600 inhabitants. The village is located on the Peloritani Mountains, at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level, and overlooks the right bank of the Agrò Valley, opposite the valley that includes the towns of Santa Teresa di Riva, Savoca, Casalvecchio Siculo, Antillo, Forza d'Agrò, Roccafiorita and Sant'Alessio Siculo. The particular geographical formation of this region, made up of rivers, steep slopes and gullies, makes human presence and communication between the various towns difficult.
The origin of the name Limina
Various theories have been put forward regarding the origin of the name of the village, but the most plausible is that it derives from the fact that the territory of Limina represented the border between the district of Messina and that of Taormina. The term Limina derives from the Latin word "limen", meaning border or limit.
The history of Limina
Limina has a long history dating back at least to the year 1000. Over the centuries, the village has undergone various vicissitudes, including a fierce battle between Carthaginians and Romans in 260 BC, and popular uprisings in the sixteenth century. In 1610, the Marquis of Limina was granted permission to populate a nearby fiefdom, giving rise to the small village of Roccafiorita. Over the years, Limina has maintained its administrative autonomy, but was subjected to the military and judicial authority of Savoca during the anti-Spanish revolt in Messina in 1676. In 1733, a Liminese named Giovanni Scaldara obtained the right to practice as a notary in the territories of Limina and Roccafiorita.
The artistic and cultural heritage
Despite the difficulties linked to its geographical position, Limina preserves an interesting artistic and cultural heritage. Among the most significant monuments, one can mention the Mother Church of San Giovanni Battista, where a beautiful wooden choir of the eighteenth century can be admired, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Church of Sant'Antonio and the Clock Tower. Furthermore, the village hosts numerous cultural events, including the "Patronal Festival of San Giovanni Battista" in June and the "Flower Festival" in May.
Cuisine and typical products
Limina is part of the Sicilian gastronomic tradition, with dishes such as pasta with sardines, caponata, chicken cacciatore and pasta ca muddhica. The village is also known for the production of sweets such as San Giovanni biscuits and cartocciole.
Mountain Tourism
Located on the Peloritani Mountains, Limina offers numerous possibilities for nature and hiking enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Agrò Valley and the Ionian coast, and can explore the trails that cross the region, such as those that lead to the Sanctuary of the Madonna degli Angeli and Monte Kalfa. Furthermore, Limina's central location makes it an ideal starting point for visiting other towns in the region, such as Savoca, famous for being used as a location in the film "The Godfather".
In summary, Limina is a small municipality immersed in nature, with a long history and an interesting artistic and cultural heritage. Its location on the Peloritani Mountains makes it a perfect place for hiking and nature lovers, while its proximity to other towns in the region makes it an excellent base for discovering the beauty of Sicily.
