Giampilieri
Introduction
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Giampilieri, a beautiful hillside hamlet in District I of the municipality of Messina.
Toponym
The name "Giampilieri" is a unique toponym throughout Italian territory and has undergone several modifications over the centuries. Local history scholars, priest Giovanni Bottari and accountant Salvatore Bottari, have hypothesized that the toponym may derive from Giovanni Piliero, the name of a possible knight of the Order of Malta and ancient landowner of the area. On the other hand, scholar Girolamo Caracausi analyzed the toponym Giampilieri in his "Onomastic Dictionary of Sicily" and hypothesized that "Giam" comes from the Arabic word "hagar" which means "stone, rock, boulder" and "pileri" from the late Latin "pilare-is" which means "pillar, column, stele, boundary stone".
History
There are no precise documents on the origins of Giampilieri, but it is presumed to date back to the Norman period in Messina in the 12th and 13th centuries.
After the destruction of Messina in 1908, Giampilieri became a refuge for many evacuees, so much so that the village was flooded by a new wave of immigrants from various parts of Sicily. The village also suffered the consequences of raids by Turkish, Spanish and French pirates.
During World War II, Giampilieri suffered heavy damage and the population took refuge in the safest places in the surrounding hills.
Mother Church
The Mother Church of Giampilieri dates back to the 17th century and is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. It has undergone several modifications and restorations over time, including the addition of the bell tower in 1833 and the creation of the barrel vault in 1920. Inside the church, you can admire some finely crafted frescoes.
Typical cuisine
The typical cuisine of Giampilieri is very tasty and includes dishes such as "pasta alla norma", stuffed eggplants, potato omelette and "spaghetti with sardines". Among the typical desserts, we find Sicilian cassata and cannoli.
Tourist attractions
Giampilieri offers numerous attractions for tourists, such as the Mother Church and the 17th century house-cellar, where you can admire the production of local wine. In addition, you can go on excursions in the surrounding nature and visit nearby archaeological sites such as Taormina and Tindari.
Conclusion
Giampilieri is a true jewel of Sicily, rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Visiting this village means immersing yourself in Sicilian tradition and discovering its authenticity and genuineness. If you have the opportunity, come and visit Giampilieri and enjoy its unique charm!
