Milena
Milena: a place worth visiting
Milena is a small municipality located in the western part of the province of Caltanissetta, in Sicily, with a population of approximately 2,700 inhabitants. This town is situated in a hilly area at 423 meters above sea level and is adjacent to the municipalities of Bompensiere, Campofranco, Grotte, Racalmuto, and Sutera. It is worth visiting this beautiful municipality if you wish to see the natural beauties of Sicily and learn about its ancient history.
Physical geography
Milena is located in central Sicily, east of the Platani river, 36 km away from Agrigento, 45 km from Caltanissetta, and 86 km from Enna. The town extends over a hilly area where one can enjoy fresh air and a relaxing panorama. The natural scenery in which Milena is located is characterized by typical Sicilian hills and spans a vast area where different animals and plants can be found.
History
Originally named Milocca, the municipality was founded in 1924, as established by the royal decree n. 3032 of 20/12/1923, with territory separated from Campofranco and Sutera. The town was renamed Littoria Nissena in 1933 (RD n. 1177 of August 4th), but after a few months, with RD n. 1794 of December 4th, in tribute to Queen Milena of Montenegro, mother of Queen Elena of Montenegro, wife of Victor Emmanuel III of Savoy, the city was renamed Milena. The city has had a tumultuous history with 13 prefectural commissioners and mayors and 10 mayors from 1924 to 1946, the first two appointed by the prefecture. In 1946, the first democratic city administration was finally elected in the first local elections. Afterward, from 1954, Dr. Giuseppe Luparelli took the reins of the town for about 40 years.
Monuments and places of interest
A visit to Milena would not be complete without visiting the Mother Church, which dates back to 1881 and was completed in 1877. The Sicilian neoclassical architecture is enriched inside with paintings and sculptures by Francesco Biangardi, while the construction of the clock tower is subsequent. A recent restoration highlighted the exposed masonry.
The "San Martino Farm" dates back to the seventeenth century and is located in the hilly area near Milena, a perfect place for a trip out in the fresh air. The farm is surrounded by gardens and nature trails.
"A Cruci", located on Via Nazionale, is a votive chapel built in the first half of the twentieth century. It was built to contain the wooden cross donated and carried on the shoulders to Milena by Father Gioacchino La Lomia, a Capuchin friar from Canicattì, to whom the population recognizes thanks and miracles.
Society
Milena experienced a period of emigration in the 1950s when the population reached 5000 inhabitants, and the presence of few job opportunities led many to migrate to northern Italy and abroad. The current population is approximately 2,700 inhabitants.
Conclusions
In brief, Milena is a welcoming and peaceful municipality for lovers of history and nature. Its history records important events, the richness of its monuments and places of interest, its welcoming and friendly people, invite you to visit. This place is perfect for spending a vacation that combines history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. You will not be disappointed.
