Rometta
Welcome to Rometta: a brief history of the city
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Rometta, a small town in Sicily with an ancient and fascinating history. Rometta was founded in the Byzantine period and its name, in Greek, means "defenses, fortresses". After being occupied by the Arabs, its name was pronounced "rimta", then became Rametta and finally Rometta in the 16th century. In the Rometta area, evidence of life dating back to the early Neolithic age, the Iron Age, and the necropolis of the 5th century BC-3rd century BC has been found. During the Arab conquest of Sicily, Rometta concentrated the last Byzantine defense against the Arab invasion. In particular, from 963 to 965, Rometta sustained a harsh siege and its inhabitants distinguished themselves for an extreme act of heroism. But Rometta is not just about history, it is also a city rich in culture and traditions. Come with me to discover this splendid Sicilian location!
What to visit in Rometta
Those who visit Rometta cannot miss the opportunity to admire its fortress, an architectural wonder of great historical importance. Rometta's fortress was in fact the last stronghold that could slow down an invading army's march towards the city of Messina. In the city, there are also several churches of great artistic value, such as the Mother Church dedicated to the Madonna della Rocca and the Church of San Biagio. The church of San Biagio houses valuable frescoes by the painter Stefano Li Volsi, an artist from Rometta in the 18th century. But there are also numerous archaeological sites near Rometta, such as the Archaeological Park of Tindari, a Greco-Roman city of great historical importance.
The culture and traditions of Rometta
The culture and traditions of Rometta are still deeply rooted in the daily life of its inhabitants. Among these, the festivals in honor of the patron saints are the most important. In particular, the feast of Saint John the Baptist, on June 24th, is characterized by an ancient tradition: the young people of the village immerse themselves in the Longano river to carry the statue of Saint John the Baptist in procession. Another tradition very cherished in Rometta is that of the "vituperata", a mask that is paraded through the streets of the village during the Carnival period.
Typical cuisine of Rometta
Rometta's cuisine is also very fascinating. Surely, among the most famous dishes are the "cavati", a type of fresh pasta filled with ricotta and aromatic herbs, served with tomato sauce and pork. But also the "grumulieddri", a dish made of potatoes, pecorino cheese, and black pepper, are an excellent specialty. And then there is the pastry: try the "pignolati", the "cannoli", and the "buccellati", typical sweets of the Sicilian tradition!
Conclusions
As you have seen, Rometta is a city rich in artistic and historical treasures, but also lively traditions and gastronomic delights. I highly recommend planning a visit to this splendid Sicilian location, you won't regret it!
