Molino
Molino, a fictional village by Sofia Indaco
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Molino, a beautiful hilly village in the Circoscrizione I of the municipality of Messina, just 18 km away from the city center. Although it is an area surrounded by nature and little known to tourists, Molino has a long history.
Origin of the name
Like many other towns in Italy, the name Molino derives from the presence of an old water mill, which is now abandoned. But don't be fooled by the name: Molino is much more than an old mill!
History
Molino has been an important agricultural and pastoral center since ancient times, but with Arab domination, citrus farming and active silk craftsmanship also developed. The inhabitants of the village, like those of the nearby village of Altolia, had silk processing as their main source of income.
Unfortunately, with the advent of synthetic fibers, the silk trade quickly went into crisis. Molino and the other surrounding villages had to look for new activities to prosper.
Monuments and places of interest
One of the main places you must visit in Molino is the Church of Santa Maria della Scala. The church dates back to 1613, the year it was founded by the Baroness Della Scala. The architrave of the entrance portal still bears the date of the church's foundation.
The church has a single nave, but is rich in stucco and frescoes. The beautiful central altar is dedicated to the Madonna della Scala, and next to it are the altars dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian, a wooden crucifix and a now ruined fresco.
In the sacristy of the Church of Santa Maria della Scala, you can admire small paintings, an Eucharistic throne, and a cloth with a central figure of the same Santa Maria della Scala.
But the Molino area offers many other places of interest, such as the Monastery of San Placido il Vecchio or San Placido in Silvis and the Grancia dei Padri Certosini.
Education
There was a school building used as a middle school in Molino, but unfortunately it has been closed.
Events
The main festival in Molino is that of the Madonna della Scala, held on the first Sunday after August 2. The festival, known as "Matr'a'Scala", represents a moment of great joy for the entire Molino community.
As you have seen, Molino is a place rich in history and natural and monumental beauty. If you are looking for a quiet place away from the chaos of the city, Molino is definitely the right place for you. Come and discover this wonderful hilly village in the Circoscrizione I of the municipality of Messina!
