Sant'Alfio
Welcome to Sant'Alfio: a Sicilian municipality of history and tradition
Sant'Alfio is a small municipality located in the metropolitan city of Catania in Sicily with a population of around 1490 inhabitants. Its name derives from religious tradition, where three siblings, Sant'Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino were martyred here in 253 AD during their journey towards Lentini. During their travels, the so-called "miracle of the beam" occurred. Sudden and violent winds blew away the beam they were carrying on their shoulders.
History
The town's origins date back to the late seventeenth century, when some landowners from Catania and Aci obtained from the Bishop of Catania leases of significant plots of land on the southeast side of Mount Etna. Over the centuries, the town developed thanks to the cultivation of grapevines, which produced a fine, dark, and high-alcohol content wine that reached the tables of the Knights of Malta and English generals.
Symbols
The town's coat of arms was granted by a royal decree in 1929. It is composed of the three symbols linked to Sant'Alfio's religious tradition: Sant'Alfio with a palm, Filadelfo with a sword, and Cirino with a lily.
Monuments and places of interest
The historic center of the town maintains its characteristic ancient palaces and narrow streets virtually unchanged. Piazza Duomo is surrounded by the mother church and several patrician palaces, including the town hall, located in Via Vittorio Emanuele II. The Church of Calvary in Via Armando Diaz is another must-see attraction. Continuing along Via Fossa Politi, you can come across various votive shrines and eventually reach the Chestnut of One Hundred Horses.
Civil and religious architecture
The Nucifori district is particularly interesting because the road axis is covered with lava stone slabs. There are also numerous churches to visit, such as the Mother Church and the Church of San Sebastiano. The latter is located in the center of a small village and features a lava stone inlaid facade. The Church of San Giovanni Battista, instead, is situated in the hamlet of Fornazzo and is a splendid example of Sicilian Baroque style.
Food and Wine
Sant'Alfio offers visitors not only artistic and architectural beauty but also delicious food and wine. Here you can taste typical Sicilian flavors, such as pasta alla Norma, arancini, and Sicilian cassata. The locally produced wine is a wonderful experience for the palate. You can visit local wineries and taste the best Etna DOC wines.
Festivities
The town celebrates several annual festivities, including the feast of the three patron saints, Sant'Alfio, Filadelfo, and Cirino, on the last Sunday of May. The town fills up with stalls and festivals, musical entertainment, and dances. Additionally, August 2 is celebrated as the feast of Sant'Alfio, with processions and fireworks planned to honor the saint.
Sant'Alfio is a beautiful place to visit if you like architectural beauty, history, food, and wine, but also if you're looking for the charm of small Sicilian towns. With its rooted traditions, Sant'Alfio will fascinate you. We are waiting for you!
