Things to do in Militello

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Last Updated on 6 August 2024

Table of Contents

Introduction

In this article we discuss what to see in Militello. Militello in Val di Catania has Byzantine origins and was then occupied by different peoples, like much of Sicily.

The town is fascinating although not on the same level as other Baroque towns in Sicily. Although there are few pedestrian areas, if you are nearby it is still worth visiting and walking around to discover palaces, lanes and churches and then rest in a nice restaurant, savoring the local cuisine. Once you arrive you can park your car near the municipal villa and then to continue walking down Umberto Street.

The churches

In Militello there are really numerous churches, here you will find the most beautiful listed.

In Piazza Municipio there are the church and the monastery of San Benedetto (17th century) , with some beautiful Baroque buildings to keep it company.

Church and Monastery of San Benedetto, Militello — Church and Monastery of San Benedetto

Proceeding along Via Umberto, you will find yourself in front of the imposing church of San Nicola , rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693. Attached to the church is the museum of San Nicolò, which houses liturgical objects from various eras .

Near the church there is also a very nice little square, overlooked by one little church of S. Maria della Catena, from 1500. You absolutely must enter this sacred place, the interior environment so small and the decorations so original, directly carved into the walls, make this place truly magical.

Proceeding down Via Umberto, here at one point is a view of the shrine of St. Mary of the Star, surrounded by old buildings in muted colors ranging from white to pink. Near the shrine is the civic museum, which houses Greek-era vases and ancient paintings, and also a beautiful scenic street (Via Giambattista Baldanza), with a view of the church of St. Nicholas.

The last church to visit is the church of S. Maria La Vetere , which stands out from the others, being immersed in nature and in the midst of rocky ridges. Of the ancient church only the nave and part of the facade remain, the rest was destroyed by the earthquake of 1693.

Barresi Castle

Barresi-Branciforte Castle, Militello — Gimalgi73 , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Baresi Castle, Militello — Fountain of the Ninfa Zizza

Well the tour of churches is over, what remains to visit are the Barresi castle and the Fountain of the Ninfa Zizza . Today only a tower, an arch and a beautiful internal courtyard remain of the castle where there is also a fountain . The tower dates back to the 14th century and takes its name from the baron who had it built. The arch with the internal courtyard and the adjoining fountain were built in the 17th century by the will of the Marquis Francesco Branciforte.

Typical products of Militello

The typical product of Militello is a sweet, the cassatellina di Militello , created in ancient times by a nun. Cassatelline are shortcrust pastry baskets filled with almonds, fruit, chocolate, liqueur, cinnamon and cloves.

Cassatelline di Militello — Gimalgi73 , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Militello is located in the province of Catania. Here you find what to eat in Catania and surroundings .

Here instead you find the typical Sicilian dishes in general.

Where to eat in Militello

Two restaurants are recommended, both of which are very good. The U ‘Trappitu Restaurant , with very accurate and characteristic interior decorations, such as ancient stone millstones, and the U pacia Restaurant , with a simpler interior environment.