Milazzo
Discovering Milazzo: History and Geography
Hi everyone! Today I'm taking you on a journey to discover Milazzo, a beautiful municipality in the metropolitan city of Messina in Sicily. Founded by the Greeks in 716 BC and later becoming a "civitas Romana" from 36 BC, Milazzo has a millennial history and numerous symbols of its past.
But let's start with physical geography. The municipality is located at the beginning of a peninsula about 8 km long, called "Capo Milazzo", and overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea towards the north. To the west lies the Riviera di Ponente and the Gulf of Patti, while to the east lies the Gulf of Milazzo. The area of the municipality is also characterized by a vast alluvial plain called the "Piana di Milazzo".
But do you know how the promontory on which Milazzo stands was formed? Its origins date back to about one and a half million years ago, following the uplift of sedimentary and crystalline rocks by plate tectonics. Sands and marine sediments were deposited on these rocks, forming an island. Later, alluvial deposits from the Peloritani Mountains joined the island to Sicily.
The climate of Milazzo
Regarding the climate, Milazzo has a Mediterranean climate with subtropical characteristics, with minimal temperature changes throughout the year. According to the Köppen climate classification, it falls within the Csa climatic zone. The annual rainfall is about 850-900 mm, with the months of highest precipitation being January, February, November, and December. Moreover, in recent years, there has been a gradual climate change that has led to the intensification of storm events and the slow tropicalization of the area.
Regarding the winds, the constant winds are the Ponente (coming from the west) and the Scirocco (coming from the southeast), with a decrease in frequency during the summer months. The strongest winds occur during autumn and winter.
Point of Interest: Capo Milazzo Oriented Nature Reserve
The Capo Milazzo Oriented Nature Reserve is one of Milazzo's points of interest. It is a protected area that extends over approximately 214 hectares, with 9 km of coastline, from which breathtaking landscapes can be admired. The reserve was established in 1999 to protect this piece of paradise, which represents one of the most beautiful and suggestive sites in Sicily.
Within the reserve, different types of landscapes can be admired, such as beaches, coves, cliffs, and promontories. The vegetation is typical of the Mediterranean scrubland, with junipers, mastic trees, carobs, strawberry trees, and tamarisks. The fauna is equally interesting, with numerous species of migratory birds that stop in the area during their migration. Moreover, mammals such as foxes, hares, porcupines, and wild rabbits can be observed.
What to see in Milazzo
Milazzo is full of surprises for those who visit. Among the symbols I mentioned earlier, there is the Norman Castle of Milazzo, the city's emblem. Dating back to the 13th century, the fortress is an imposing stronghold that stands on the hill of San Giovanni. Inside it, numerous historical evidence can be observed, such as prehistoric time ramparts or the Norman tower that rises in the center of the fortress.
Another point of interest is the Church of San Francesco di Milazzo, the oldest church in the city, built by the Franciscan orders in the 13th century. The building has been renovated several times, and the facade still suffers from the original design to which various baroque-style decorations have been added. The interior of the church, on the other hand, reflects the medieval style, with numerous works in bronze and wood.
Finally, we cannot forget to visit the historic center of Milazzo, where numerous historic palaces can be found, such as the Palazzo Marchese Proto, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, or the Teatro Comunale Vittorio Emanuele III.
The cuisine of Milazzo
I couldn't conclude without talking about the cuisine of Milazzo! The typical cuisine is based on fresh and genuine ingredients such as freshly caught fish, seasonal vegetables, and local cheeses.
Among the typical dishes are "Paccheri alla Milazzese," a first course made with pasta, tomatoes, eggplants, garlic, chili, and anchovies; "Frittura di Paranza," a small fish fry; and "Sarde a beccafico," a typical Sicilian appetizer made with sardines stuffed with breadcrumbs, raisins, pine nuts, onions, and grated cheese.
Furthermore, in Milazzo, typical desserts of the area can also be tasted, such as "Braccilatte," chocolate sweets filled with milk cream; "Barchette di sfoglia," a kind of sfogliatella filled with a ricotta and lemon cream, and "Babbaluci," that is sea snails served in various ways such as pizza, fried or in salad.
I hope I've been helpful in discovering Milazzo and its history, geography, points of interest, and gastronomy. I recommend planning a trip to this beautiful Sicilian town personally to discover everything I've told you about. You won't regret it!
