Santa Lucia del Mela
Welcome to Santa Lucia del Mela!
Hello everyone, today I want to tell you about Santa Lucia del Mela, a beautiful town in the province of Messina in Sicily. Our town is located in the Mela Valley and is home to about 4387 people. The municipal territory is very extensive, covering approximately 8200 hectares, so you will certainly have no problems finding a beautiful place to carry out your favorite activities!
A Territory Rich in Landscapes
Santa Lucia del Mela is one of the largest municipalities in the province of Messina, and its territory features a wide range of landscapes, from the high mountains of the Peloritani Mountains to the Tyrrhenian and Ionian slopes. Here, you can find many wild and unspoiled areas where you can admire millennia-old oak trees, native forests and prehistoric giant ferns. Additionally, if you are a wildlife lover, you will be happy to know that you can find many different species here, including dormice, Corvidae, falcons, Lepus europaeus, wild cats, and martens.
If you are looking for a place to do some hiking, you cannot miss the Postoleone area. Here, you will find a picturesque pond that is a popular spot for hikers and campers who wish to spend some time in nature. In this area, there is also a refuge for forest rangers, perfect if you want to take a break before continuing your journey. If you also love horseback riding, you can take a nice ride to the Mela springs or to Rocca Timogna.
A Millenary History
The origins of Santa Lucia del Mela date back to the times of the Sicans and the Sicilians, but there are also traces of Greek and Roman settlements. The city was an important military outpost for many dominations that alternated over time. During the Islamic domination, a fortress mosque was built on the slope of the hill where the castle now stands, which later became the Church of San Nicola. Over time, the city underwent various transformations and constructions that made it what it is today.
With the birth of the Kingdom of Sicily, the Great Count Ruggero I built a church to fulfill the vow made to Santa Lucia of Syracuse, to whom he was devoted. From that moment on, the city was called Santa Locia, later changed to Santa Lucia del Mela.
Visiting the City
Santa Lucia del Mela is a city that deserves to be visited. If you are passionate about history, you cannot miss the Castle of Santa Lucia, which dominates the city from above. Here, you can admire the ancient city walls, the Church of San Nicola, the Clock Tower, and much more. Don't leave the city without visiting the church dedicated to the patron saint, the Church of Santa Lucia, located in the center of town.
But Santa Lucia del Mela is also a festive city! Every year, in fact, the celebration of the patron saint, Santa Lucia, is organized with a series of events and processions that attract visitors from all over the world. But not only that, the city also offers many other opportunities for fun, such as restaurants, bars, local craft shops, and much more.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Santa Lucia del Mela is a beautiful city that deserves to be visited. You can admire a territory with unique landscapes, go on mountain hikes and visit historical places that tell the millenary history of the city. In addition, you can participate in the festivities of the patron saint and brighten your days with the various fun activities that the city offers. Come and visit Santa Lucia del Mela, and I assure you that you won't regret it!
