San Cono
Welcome to San Cono, the small town at the foot of the Erei Mountains
If you're looking for a peaceful place immersed in nature, San Cono is the place for you! This small town of just over 2000 inhabitants is located in the metropolitan city of Catania, precisely at the foot of the Erei Mountains.
Territory and Climate
San Cono is located in a hilly area and the territory is characterized by various types of land, from sand to clay soils, and numerous springs. There are no rivers, but a couple of streams that have maximum flow in autumn and winter. The average temperature is 15 degrees Celsius and the climate is Mediterranean-insular, with cold and humid winters and hot and dry summers. Precipitation is concentrated mainly in autumn and winter and on average is 500-600 mm per year.
History
San Cono was founded in 1785 by the Marquis Ottavio Trigona Bellotti, who built a church and 60 houses to accommodate people from all over Sicily, promising them a home and a piece of land. Despite being busy managing the feud of Piazza Armerina, Trigona never neglected the interests of San Cono and in fact obtained the license to populate the territory.
The legend about the foundation
San Cono takes its name from the eponymous Saint, but the precise reasons for the denomination are not clear. In fact, there is a popular legend that tells a story of debts and promises kept. A friar from Naso, belonging to the Order of St. Basil, had purchased wheat from the Marquis Trigona, but was unable to pay in cash and had left a valuable ring as a pledge. After a long time, the Marquis decided to go to Naso to ask for payment of the debt but found out that the friar was actually San Cono, who had died many centuries before.
Discover San Cono and its surroundings
What to see in San Cono
The center of the village revolves around the Church of San Cono, built by the Marquis Trigona at the end of the 18th century. Here you can admire the precious statues of the Madonna della Catena and the patron saint San Cono Abbot. Do not miss the Mother Church dedicated to the Madonna del Rosario with its beautiful late 19th-century altarpiece. If you are passionate about archaeology, you can visit the Table of the Abbots, an ancient funerary monument of the 6th century AD.
Outdoor activities
San Cono is the ideal starting point for excursions in the Erei Mountains. You can choose from more or less challenging trekking routes and enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding valley. For cycling enthusiasts, there is the Erei cycle path, a 30 km route that will take you to discover the most beautiful landscapes in the area. If you prefer water activities, you can reach the nearby Lentini lake where you can practice rowing or simply take a swim.
Events and festivals
San Cono is not lacking in traditional events. On June 3, the patron saint San Cono Abbot is celebrated with the traditional procession and a fair with stalls of local products. During the summer, instead, there is the Emigrant Festival, which celebrates the community of Sanconesi who have moved abroad.
Where to sleep and eat
Taverns and restaurants
San Cono is famous for its traditional cuisine, based mainly on typical local products. Do not miss the handmade fresh pasta and grilled meats. We recommend trying the Osteria della Motta or the Restaurant La Fontanella, two places very popular with the Sanconesi.
Farmhouses and B&Bs
If you want to spend a few days immersed in nature and silence, the San Cono farmhouse is the ideal solution. Here you can taste the products of the land and neighboring farms, as well as enjoy the tranquility of the Erei Mountains. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the many B&Bs in the village, such as the B&B Sotto le Stelle or the B&B le Rose.
Conclusions
San Cono is a small town that definitely deserves a visit for those who love nature and peace. The beauty of the Erei Mountains and the hospitality of the Sanconesi will win you over. Finally, you cannot leave San Cono without having tasted the typical dishes of the local cuisine, we guarantee it's worth it!
