Montalbano Elicona, the Tibet of Sicily is among the most beautiful villages in Italy

Montalbano Elicona, the Tibet of Sicily is among the most beautiful villages in Italy

A place with uncontaminated landscapes and prehistoric testimonies. Curiosities and culinary traditions of the country of the megaliths of Europe.

It is called the Tibet of Sicily and is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. We are talking about Montalbano Elicona, the town in the province of Messina which rises 907 meters above sea level and has 2835 inhabitants (1000 in the village). Its patron is Sant 'Nicola di Bari and is celebrated on 6 December. A place with ancient origins whose first historical information dates back to the 9th century. A.D

The name 

There are many possible origins of the name from the Latin mons albus to refer to the snow-capped mountains, from the Arabic al-bana “excellent place”, others trace the name back to the hero Sesto Nonio Albano, citizen of Tindari.

Entertainment 

Walks between nature and mystery in Montalbano Elicona. You can go horseback riding, hiking, trout fishing or play tennis. Excursions among uncontaminated landscapes and evidence of prehistoric origin are interesting. We recommend an excursion in these areas: “Argimusco, Elmo, Losi, Mattinata and Zilla”, thanks to which Sicily is included in the map of the megaliths of Europe. The Malabotta wood is a natural reserve waiting to be discovered. To admire the houses in the historic center renovated respecting the typically medieval style. Among the curiosities of the town are the historical re-enactments of the Aragonese festivals in August, the medieval spring festivals and the fascinating nativity scene awarded as the best living nativity scene in Sicily.

What to visit

Among the most significant places in the village is the Castle of Frederick II built on Byzantine and Arab pre-existing structures. In the upper part there is a regular fortress dominated by two towers one with a square plan and the other with a pentagonal plan. The royal chapel from the Byzantine era is of extraordinary beauty. Those who go to this village cannot fail to visit the Museum of White Arms with a large arms room, the Belfiore photographic museum that traces the history of the village through images and the educational museum of ancient musical instruments.

Typical dish and local culinary traditions

Here pastoral and peasant traditions are celebrated with a cuisine made of simple but genuine ingredients such as pasta and beans with wild fennel and scurcilla, pork rind or lard and meat and grated ricotta in macaroni with pork sauce and more fave a maccu. Sheep and goat meat for roasts. It is advisable to taste fresh, salted and baked ricotta, cheeses and provole. You can also enjoy hazelnut-based desserts and ciminu biscuits with aniseed prepared for the Easter holidays. Also try the extra virgin olive oil.

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