Troina

Troina is an ancient city in the center of the island. It can be reached via an incredible territory that is incredibly rich in valleys, hills, and mountains. This area is often not known even to Sicilians.

Although the city’s origins date back to prehistoric times, it flourished under the influence of the Normans, Arabs, and Bizantines. It was chosen by the House of Hauteville’s Great Count Roger I of Sicily as an outpost for his conquest of the entire island. With the assistance of some Basilian monks he took control of the Saracens Castle and built new churches and convents. Troina became the first capital of County of Sicily. Also, Espiscopal was established and it is an important route along the Taormina Termini road.

Scalforio District – ph. Giuseppe Calabrese

Troina is home to the first cathedral built by the Normans of Sicily. Maria Santissima assunta is its main place of worship and little treasure trove, which includes a Norman tower. Due to the agreement with Roger, the Oratorio dei Bianchi still retains the predella from the altarship where Pope Urban II held Mass in 1088. Torre Capitania is another historic building. It was once the castle’s central tower and the home of the Captain of Justice. It is now a cultural centre that hosts a variety of exhibitions, including an archaeological exposition and performances by contemporary artists.

The Cathedral of Conte Ruggero Street– ph. Giuseppe Calabrese

Troina offers an interesting archaeological itinerary through which you can find the remains of the Hellenistic Roman city and the ruins fortification walls that date back to the 4th Century BC. There is also a rich architectural legacy, mostly consisting of churches or religios buildings.

In the Scarfolio district, you will find the middleage Church of San Biagio and the Church of San Nicolo, which have a distinctive arch under their bell tower. It could also be one of the old City gates. The Chiesa del Carmine has a 16th century bell tower that ends in a cusp. It is completely covered with coloured potterya. Domenico Gagini still maintains a statue of Our Lady. Continue the tour with a visit at the Church dedicated San Silvestro to Basilian monk, who is also the patron saint of the town. Gagini also credits the funerary monument. Convent of Sant’Agostino (XV Century) is home to the Baroque feretory, the creation of Juvarra, a world-famous Sicilian silversmith from Messina. It is famous for its 40 arcades loggia.

Festa dei Rami – ph. Giuseppe Calabrese

It is a charming, millenary town that can enchant and ravish with its stories told through traditional rites such as the Festa dei Rami on the second Sunday in May or the Ddarata on the next Sunday. There are also its famous Intrallazzate which features old Sicilian folk songs written in verse.

The ancient pilgrimage of devotees to San Silvestro, the patron saint of the town, the “Festa dei Rami”, is known as the “Branches Feast”. After the evening mass, the ramara (branches pickers ) begin their pilgrimage along ancient mountain trails. In the early morning they reach the sacred wood in the Nebrodi Mountains. The next day, pilgrims are summoned by the sound a drum and move to the Anghira di Faccilonga ravine. This natural sanctuary is where only the bravest can rappel down the hillside to retrieve the laurel. The ramara return to their village with magnificent decorations made from laurel leaves. The village welcomes them with any type of traditional food that is related to the feast.

Failla Bridge, with passage of the “ramara – ph. Giuseppe Calabrese

The vasteddacu sammucu is a very special local recipe . It’s a focaccia made of durum wheat flour and eggs. The dough is stuffed with fresh cheese and salami and baked in a wood-fired oven. The’Nfasciatieddi is a traditional biscuit made with mulled pear wine. You should also try the cudduri Christmas desserts as well as the piciocia an old peasant dish made from chickling vetch and chickpeas.

Recent history has reported on a historic battle in Troina between the American soldiers and the German soldiers who had settled in Troina. The battle culminated in heavy bombardment, which caused many casualties, including civilians. Robert Capa’s photographs, which were collected at the Capitania tower, document this historic event.

Lake Sartori– ph. Giuseppe Calbrese

Finally, we can’t forget to mention the wealthy

Natural heritage

The area? Troina is actually located within the

Nebrodi Park

. There is a small town just a few kilometers away.

Lake Sartori

The highest artificial lake in Sicily is the Lake of Ancipa. It is surrounded by a wooded area of 4,200 hectares. This makes it ideal for long walks and horse riding.