Milo is one of the most evocative medieval villages in eastern Sicily. Named 'u Milu, in Sicilian dialect, rises on the slopes of Etna, in the province of Catania. It is known as the "city of wine", due to the numerous vineyards present in its territory. Milo is also associated with music, because it was one of Lucio Dalla's favorite places and chosen by Franco Battiato, who lived here until his recent death. Surrounded by woods, this, which is one of the places higher than the sea level and with a healthy air, offers a pleasant climate to those who choose to spend the summer there. The economy of the village is linked to agricultural, industrial and tourist activities.
Get inspired
Milo is a quiet mountain village (it has just over a thousand inhabitants) and offers numerous scenic beauties. From the main square of the historic center, dedicated to Giovanni d'Aragona, you can admire an enchanting panorama that embraces the Ionian coast and the municipalities of the hinterland. Very beautiful is the mother church, dedicated to the patron Saint Andrew, built in lava stone. In its immediate vicinity, you can admire the Fountain of the Renaissance and the Mill of Milo. Also worth visiting are the municipal villa and the amphitheater named after Lucio Dalla, where there is a monument that portrays him, the work of the sculptor Carmine Susinni, from Mascali. Every year, in the summer, the Bolognese singer-songwriter, who died in 2012, loved to stay in this pretty village, in the house-farm he bought in the Praino district, near “Villa Grace“, The residence that Franco Battiato had named after his mother. In this wonderful place, ideal for relaxing and meditating, the two musician friends found the right inspiration to write and compose.
History
During the Middle Ages, Milo became the summer political center of all of Sicily, thanks to Giovanni d'Aragona who chose it as a holiday resort. It is precisely the regent of the kingdom of Trinacria from 1342 to 1348 who, fascinated by the beauty of the place, founded the monastery dedicated to Sant'Andrea. Here he receives the great personalities of the time. It is 1340. Later, that ancient church and priory of Sant'Andrea dell'Acqua di Milo (so called from the famous source of water that comes out from there), becomes the mother church of the town, around which the small urban centre. Starting from the early eighteenth century, the village belongs to the Mascali county. In 1815 it passed to the municipality of Macchia di Giarre and, in 1823, to Sant'Alfio. It obtains autonomy in 1955, together with the municipality of Fornazzo. Even today, the identifying emblem of this village retains the yellow and orange colors, typical of the Giovanni d'Aragona family. With them, the cross of Sant'Andrea and the ancient drinking trough stand out.
On the slopes of Etna
Milo experiences a period of tourism development after the First World War. The credit goes to the German photographer Wilhelm von Gloeden, who settled there for some time. Its geographical position, on the slopes of Etna, if on the one hand makes this village even more interesting, on the other it does not make it unharmed by the volcanic eruptions, which have marked its history. A bad memory is in fact linked to the opening of two eruptive vents at 1800 meters. The episode, which occurs between 1950 and 1951, forces the population to find refuge in neighboring municipalities to return a year later. The few inhabitants who today live in the village are mainly elderly, the rest of the population is distributed in the districts that surround it. Among the most famous: Fornazzo, Caselle, Zappino, Praino.
The districts
You cannot visit Milo without going through all its villages. Only in this way is it possible to admire its extraordinary scenic beauty and learn about the history and secrets of this fascinating land. Fornazzo is the oldest settlement in the area, rich in woods (it is famous for the many porcini mushrooms that are gathered here) and vineyards. Caselle is known for its grape varieties, from which renowned wines are produced. Praino is probably the best known hamlet, because it was chosen by Dalla and Battiato. It is a rural village, developed in the middle of the vineyards and around a small church. Here the territory is covered by thick chestnut woods, vineyards and hazelnut groves. There are most of the citrus groves of Milan, mainly used for the cultivation of clementines. In short, Milo is an enchanting place, which remains in the eyes and in the heart.
(Photo: Municipality of Milo Facebook page)
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