Montalbano Elicona

The history
of Montalbano Elicona is intertwined with the history of Sicily and southern Italy, as the strategic location on which the village arose has made it a center of great interest, determining its ups and downs over the centuries.

The origins of Montalbano Elicona likely date back to the period when the Saracens ruled Sicily. Arab rule left a mark that has continued to affect modern-day Sicily. Indeed, it is thought that the etymology of the name Montalbano derives from the Arabic " Al" "Blank ," meaning "excellent place," or from Mons Albus , referring to the snow-capped hills on which the town is located.

Elicona, on the other hand, would have been added in the Greek era: “ Helikon” was the name of the hill on which the medieval nucleus of Montalbano was founded.

The Turkish presence in southern Italy raised concerns in the Holy See: the Pope quickly requested the Normans' intervention, which promptly complied. Sicily was conquered by Roger of Hauteville, who departed from Messina and headed toward the Helicon Valley, destroying cities and villages. Despite this, his reign saw a wave of growth. During this period, Montalbano became a royal property and was strengthened with a defensive system. Upon Roger of Hauteville's death, the throne of Sicily passed to his son Roger II, who was credited with encouraging religious tolerance and fostering a climate of social integration. The situation changed abruptly after his death, when widespread discontent against Muslims spread across the island, who began to be persecuted and sometimes killed. The signs of this intolerance are still clearly visible today in Montalbano, especially in the countryside where you can see the cùbburi , huts where the persecuted took refuge.

The Norman dynasty ended when the kingdom passed to Henry VI and then to his son, Frederick II of Swabia. During Frederick's rule, Montalbano must have been a small but important town. Frederick II took care to limit injustices and abuses against the people and encouraged agriculture, while maintaining a substantial division between the upper and lower classes. Despite everything, Frederick's policies did not meet with the approval of the Holy See and the Sicilian nobles, who soon launched a conflict against the Swabian. Several Sicilian cities joined the revolt against Frederick II, including Montalbano Elicona. The town was divided between supporters of the Swabians and their opponents, but when Frederick II regained control, he put a ferocious end to the uprisings. The houses and castle were destroyed, and many inhabitants were forced to take refuge in nearby villages, while others were subjected to slavery. The latter managed to rebuild Montalbano, also aided by the help of Frederick II himself, who nevertheless recognized the village's notable importance, especially as a hub for trade.

With the death of Frederick II, a power crisis began, resulting in Montalbano becoming a fiefdom, albeit only briefly. The Pope intervened again, requesting the support of the Angevins, who defeated the Swabian Manfred and imposed a rule that brought discontent and revolts.

In this context, Montalbano's fortune is once again represented by a Frederick: Frederick II of Aragon, who, not without difficulty, managed to obtain the Sicilian kingdom.

Frederick II of Aragon had a particular fondness for Montalbano Elicona, having spent pleasant holidays there as a child. The reign of Frederick II marked the peak of this Sicilian village's splendor. The Aragonese ruler worked hard to strengthen the defensive structure and soften the castle's features, transforming it into an elegant royal residence. It was within the walls of this manor that Frederick II loved to stay during his holidays and during the periods when he visited Montalbano to enjoy the thermal waters located a few kilometers from the town.

Montalbano's fortune, however, did not last long: in 1312 a new conflict affected Sicily but in 1336 Frederick II of Aragon, now tired, died and without him the dream of Montalbano Elicona of becoming a "royal city" also came to an end.

A slow decline dragged the village into a period characterized by dynastic struggles, loss of privileges and continuous changes of ownership between feudal lords, totally disinterested in the public welfare.

Today, Montalbano Elicona is a small village, but it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Italy, which is why so many visitors choose to stroll through its narrow streets, which still retain their typically medieval features, every year.

The castle

For centuries, the castle represented the political center of the village and still today it is the hub around which the life of Montalbano Elicona revolves.

It rises above the houses of the town, characterised by an elegant grandeur which is also favoured by the battlements of its walls.

The history of Montalbano Elicona is closely tied to this castle, which stands on the ruins of a fortress. It was not neglect and abandonment that damaged the previous structure, but rather the blind fury of Frederick II of Swabia, deeply resentful of the protests against him that had agitated a section of the population. It was the Swabian ruler himself, along with the surviving inhabitants, who rebuilt the castle.

After a few centuries, under Frederick II of Aragon, the castle of Montalbano Elicona was transformed into a royal residence, intended to host the Aragonese sovereign and his descendants.

The castle has a square shape, with a central courtyard. It is essentially divided into two levels: the first, fortified one, is decorated with mullioned windows, while the second, raised level is characterized by battlements.

The different rooms and their uses are still recognizable today, with a substantial difference between the spaces reserved for the sovereigns and those reserved for the men and women of service.

Inside the castle is also the Palatine Church of the Trinity, home to the royal chapel. This church houses a stone sarcophagus believed to be the burial place of Arnaldo da Villanova, Frederick II of Aragon's trusted man and learned physician.

Minor Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and Saint Nicholas Bishop

Where the mother church of San Nicolò now stands, there was originally a small church with a single nave: the church of San Pietro and Paolo.

Later, in the first half of the 12th century, a larger church was built, incorporating the smaller, older church. In 1646, during restoration and expansion work, the bell tower was added.

In 1997 Pope John Paul II elevated this place of worship to the rank of minor basilica.

The church's main facade overlooks the Piazza del Duomo. Inside, several important works are preserved, including a 15th-century wooden crucifix, a statue and a tabernacle attributed to the artist Giacomo Gagini, and a painting of the Last Supper attributed to the school of Guido Reni.

Malabotta Forest Nature Reserve

Montalbano Elicona is one of the municipalities that make up the Malabotta Forest Nature Reserve, a peaceful and tranquil place immersed in the purity of nature.

The reserve is characterized by a forest of oak, beech, chestnut, poplar, hazel, and holly trees, with an undergrowth consisting primarily of hawthorn and wild roses. Like the flora, the fauna is quite diverse and typical of a woodland environment. Walking the reserve's trails, you may encounter animals such as wild cats, hedgehogs, foxes, dormice, weasels, wild boars, and porcupines, and you may even spot hawks and golden eagles in flight, as well as owls and little owls.

The Feast of Our Lady of Divine Providence

The cult of the Blessed Virgin Mary has enlivened Sicily for centuries. In Montalbano Elicona, Santa Maria della Divina Providenza is particularly venerated. As is often the case, the faithful are drawn to this devotion because of some miraculous miracles the Madonna has performed in the village in the past. These stories are often tinged with legend and are fueled by fervent popular belief.

It is precisely thanks to the miracles that Our Lady is said to have performed that the church of San Domenico was elevated to the status of Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Divina Providenza in the 20th century.

The celebrations in honor of Santa Maria della Divina Provvidenza are held every year on August 24th, and for the occasion, the village is a pilgrimage destination for the faithful from neighboring towns.

Particularly evocative is the procession carrying the statue of the Madonna through the town streets, adorned with sacred gold and decorated with hundreds of flowers. It is carried by the "smanicati": faithful who support the statue while walking barefoot to honor a vow made to Mary.

Late in the evening, after a torchlight procession, the statue of the Madonna is returned to its place, a moment for the faithful that is the most heartfelt of the entire festival.

This cult has been honored since 1522, but only in recent years have concerts and shows of various kinds been added to the religious celebrations, allowing the number of visitors coming to this village to increase year after year.

Aragonese festivals

Anyone who arrives in Montalbano Elicona during the second week of August will feel like they've traveled back in time, because at that time of year, this Sicilian village abandons modernity and returns to the Middle Ages.

Frederick II of Aragon was particularly attached to Montalbano Elicona and its castle and the citizens of the village are still particularly fond of this historical figure, which is why every year they pay homage to him with the 'Aragonese Festivals'.

For this occasion, the town streets become a whirlwind of sounds and colors, thanks to the hundreds of costumed figures who enliven the village with medieval songs and dances.

Among period games, juggling shows, flag-wavers and historical reconstructions, the true protagonist of the festival is Frederick II of Aragon who receives as a gift two mountain falcons and the products of the land, and finally the keys to the town with which he retires to his castle, the ' regia aedes' , greeting everyone and renewing the appointment for next year.

The Legend of Martha

A forest of tall trees and thick foliage that create a play of light and shadow, and a fascinating archaeological site where woodland fairies are said to have danced, this is the setting for an ancient legend of Montalbano Elicona, the legend of Marta.

Marta was a shepherdess in the prime of her youth, so beautiful that a knight fell in love with her, though his love was unrequited. To escape the man's flattery, the girl took refuge in the Argimosco forest, and the lord hired fifty-one knights to explore the village in search of Marta. Despite the men's intimate knowledge of those places and paths, none succeeded in finding the young girl.

Don Olindo, one of the knights, grew tired and decided to leave the woods. He found himself before an enormous stone resembling a woman with her hands clasped, intent on praying. Don Olindo was certain that the enormous boulder hadn't been there before, and his companions confirmed it. It was all so incredible and so absurd that it seemed like a dream: totally unreal. Everyone immediately thought of Marta, the girl no one had been able to find and who seemed to have transformed into an enormous rock.

The megalith mentioned in Marta's story is known by all as "the Orante" (the Orant), and is part of an archaeological complex known as the Argimusco megaliths. These quartz sandstone rocks were sculpted by the force of the wind and the incessant rain.

The legend of Marta and the Orans inspired the imagination of the Sicilian writer Melo Freni, who made his debut in Italian literary history with a novel entitled 'Marta d'Elicona'.

The living nativity scene

One of the most beautiful living nativity scenes in Sicily is set up in Montalbano Elicona, consecrated in 2000 as the most beautiful on the entire island.

For the occasion, the Serro neighborhood, one of Montalbano's oldest, is completely transformed: the abandoned houses recreate traditional settings with scenes from times gone by, always a delight to behold. Hundreds of people in period costume appear, and their numbers grow each December, ready to perform the ancient crafts that are part of Montalbano's story. Among shepherds, potters, woodcutters, weavers, and the sounds of bagpipes, along with the angelic voices of the choir, a path winds its way to the cave, where, year after year and from village to village, the miracle of Jesus Christ's birth is reenacted.

Arnold of Villanova

Arnaldo da Villanova is a mysterious and fascinating figure, whose death has left a long trail of doubts and questions.

He was born in France in 1240, probably near Valencia, and later moved to Paris where he studied medicine.

He was a doctor and scholar of great fame, so much so that in the Middle Ages he supported sovereigns and popes and above all he was the right-hand man of King Ferdinand II of Aragon.

His fame as a skilled alchemist soon spread and it is said that in front of Pope Boniface VIII he managed to obtain pure gold bars from simple objects.

Although he was highly accredited by the Holy See, in 1305 the Inquisition in Catalonia banned the reading of his works, because in one of these Arnold of Villanova claimed that in the 14th century, with the coming of the Antichrist, the present era would end.

During the last years of his life, Arnold returned to the service of Frederick II of Aragon and undertook numerous diplomatic journeys on behalf of the sovereign, both in Italy and in France and Africa. During one of these trips, Arnold of Villanova died.

After his death in 1316, the Inquisition of Tarragona burned his works and banned their dissemination.

For many years, traces of Arnaldo di Villanova and with him the remains of his mortal remains were lost. Only during the renovation of the chapel of the castle of Montalbano Elicona was a sarcophagus found where it is assumed the learned doctor was buried.

The typical cuisine

The Montalbano Elicona table perfectly reflects the character of its diners: humble people who have earned their livelihood working in the fields and pastures. The main ingredients that make up Montalbano Elicona's typical dishes come from the world of farmers and shepherds.

Women transform durum wheat flour into busiati : fresh pasta made with stocking irons, similar to macaroni but with a larger hole to let the cooking water drain. Busiati are topped with a fresh tomato and pork sauce. Pork features frequently in the traditional cuisine of Montalbano Elicona; pork rind is added to pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans), but it is also the main ingredient in sutta e suvra fat), along with lard.