Mistretta (Messina Province) is 170 km from Messina, alt. 900 m, on the slopes of the northwest Nebrodi, on the north face of Monte Castelli, area 126.8 sq km, pop. 6,092, post-code 98073, tel. 0921. Economy: agriculture, stock-breeding, commerce, handicraft (wrought iron and woodwork).
This is the ancient Amestratus, which in Roman times enjoyed municipal privileges; it developed in the Middle Ages round the Norman castle, in a position dominating the paths of communication between the Tyrrhenian Sea and central Sicily.
A feudal town and then part of the royal domain, it became a county in 1101, maintaining its civic rights, and an imperial city under Frederick II; it again became feudal, until 1405, and then once again was part of the royal domain; it was several times sold and redeemed by its own citizens.
Of interest: Renaissance companile; Santa Caterina; The town is a summer holiday resort.
Churches (Patti Diocese) include the following:
Links to other sites about Mistretta 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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