Casalvecchio Siculo (Messina Province) is 40 km from Messina, alt. 420 m, in the southern Peloritani, on the southeastern slopes of Monte Sant' Elia, area 33.4 sq km, pop. 1,429, post-code 98032, tel. 0942. Agricultural economy: wheat, olives, fruit, grapes, citrus fruit.
The original nucleus of this small town was an ancient hamlet, possibly dating from before the Byzantine domination; under the Arabs it took the name of Calatabieth. From the 9th to the 18th centuries it belonged to the fief of Savoca. From 1928 until 1939 it was a ward of Santa Teresa di Riva.
The baroque Chiesa Madre, dedicated to Santo Onofrio, stands in a fine panoramic position overlooking the Strait of Messina; it was altered in the 18th century when the great portal was added; the geometrical patterned marble floor and the lacunar ceiling are original.
A little museum has been set up in a building attached to the church, with some religious works and a number of tools and instruments used by the farmers.
Churches (Messina Diocese) include the following:
Links to other sites about Caselvecchio Siculo include:
My latest book on CD is titled Sicily - A Reference for Researchers and is now available. With a file for each town (plus many other files), it relates the history of Sicily as reflected in the photos, records and festivals of its towns. It contains over 2500 text and photo files and can be ordered at CD order.
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