Monforte San Giorgio
Discovering Monforte San Giorgio: a municipality in the metropolitan city of Messina in Sicily
Monforte San Giorgio, also known as "Munforti" in Sicilian dialect, is a municipality located in the Niceto Valley, on the slopes of the Peloritani mountains, 260 meters above sea level. In this article, we will explore the history, symbols, monuments and places of interest, culture, economy, infrastructure, and administration of this picturesque municipality in the metropolitan city of Messina in Sicily.
Physical geography
Monforte San Giorgio is located in a privileged position, between the mountains and the sea, in the center of a fertile valley. Its location makes it an ideal starting point for excursions in the surrounding mountains and to enjoy the sea in the nearby Marina district.
History
Historian Tommaso Fazello documents the presence of the center of Monforte San Giorgio already in the sixteenth century, two miles away from Gualtieri Sicaminò. The presence of other towns nearby, such as Condrò, Roccavaldina, Valdina, Venetico, and Rometta, testifies to the strategic importance of the area.
Symbols
The municipal coat of arms and the flag of Monforte San Giorgio were granted by decree of the President of the Republic Pertini in 1982. The coat of arms, a reworking of the civic emblems present in the "Collection of coats of arms of Sicilian Municipalities", depicts heraldic figures of the Bourbon emblem of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
Monuments and places of interest
Monforte San Giorgio is rich in monuments and places of interest, including:
Religious architecture
The Cathedral of San Giorgio Martire is one of the most important monuments of Monforte San Giorgio. Among the works of art inside, the 1530 Polyptych stands out, depicting the Madonna with Child, the Risen Christ, the Apostles and the Saints, including the patron Saint George Martyr and the co-patron Saint Agatha. Other important churches include the Church of Jesus and Mary, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo (dated 1200), the Church of Sant'Agata, the Church of Carmine and former convent of the Carmelite Order, the Church of the Trinity, the Church of San Francesco di Paola and the convent of the Order of Minims, the Church of Sant'Atanasio and the Church of Sant'Antonio.
Military architecture
The Castle of Monforte San Giorgio represents one of the main military monuments in the area. The castle, dating back to the fourteenth century, has been preserved and now houses exhibitions and installations.
Civil architecture
Among the civil buildings of interest, we can mention the Palazzo Borrello, built in the eighteenth century, and the Fontana della Torre, built in the nineteenth century.
Society
Monforte San Giorgio currently has around 2522 inhabitants.
Demographic evolution
The population of Monforte San Giorgio has remained fairly stable in recent decades. In 1951, the municipality had 3128 inhabitants, while in 2011 the population had decreased to 2559.
Culture
Education
All schools present in the municipal territory are part of the Torregrotta Comprehensive Institute.
Economy
The economy of Monforte San Giorgio is mainly based on agriculture and sbergia fishing. The cultivation of citrus and olive trees is particularly developed. In recent years, the tertiary sector and services are growing strongly.
Infrastructure and transport
The main arteries serving Monforte San Giorgio are the SS113 Settentrionale Sicula in the Marina district and the Provincial Road n.60 which allows reaching Torregrotta. The nearest railway station is that of Torregrotta, along the Palermo-Messina Railway.
Administration
Monforte San Giorgio has had different administrations over the years. Today it is part of the agricultural region n.
Twinning
Monforte San Giorgio is twinned with several cities, including Monforte del Cid, Montfort-sur-Risle, Gabrovo, and Rometta.
Other administrative information
Monforte San Giorgio is part of the Peloritani Mountain Community and the Union of Municipalities "Niceto-Demo-Ispani".
