Sicily Day Trip: A Beautiful Day in San Marco D'Alunzio

 

Recently, John's teacher Livio invited us to visit his hometown of San Marco D'Alunzio. In Messina province, this ancient town (dating 4 BC) sits high up, surrounded by the Nebrodi mountains, with gorgeous vistas of the Tyrrhenian Sea from Cefalù to Capo D'Orlando. 

Like all of the towns in the mountains, it's difficult for us to get there without a car. Livio graciously picked us up in Capo D'Orlando, and we enjoyed a beautiful drive to San Marco d'Alunzio. Throughout the day we toured all around the city by foot, took a drive in the mountains, and learned about the history and geography of this area. 

Livio's background is in history, and after his first class with Livio, John told me how much he enjoyed Livio as a teacher. We also learned that Livio plays guitar and is in a band. Lots of fun conversations about music ensued. In these two ways - musical tastes and history - Livio reminded us very much of our nephew Michael, of whom we are very fond. 

John and Michael many years ago.

We met Livio's lovely wife Paola and his precious son Jordan, when we enjoyed a delicious lunch together. John and I agree that this may have been the best restaurant lunch we've eaten in Sicily! 

La Macina is a top-notch restaurant. Everything was truly delicious!

We also had the opportunity to meet Livio's extended family and friends. As an added bonus, the town was hosting its Medieval Festival, which added an extra layer of festivity to our day. Highlights below.

Views of San Marco D'Alunzio from the sea front and from the mountains.

I couldn't fit the panoramic view from Cefalù to Capo D'Orlando in one photo!

Tempo di Ercole (4 BC) converted to Chiesa di San Marco Evangelista (Norman period). Columns of the temple visible, with remains of the temple's cella inside the structure.

At one time the city had four doors / gates. One remains, Porta Sant'Antonio. Nearby the Chiesa di Sant'Antonio, both XII century.

The city has many churches and monasteries, of different styles and reflecting time periods throughout its history. 

We went inside Chiesa dei Filangieri. The Filangieri were a noble Norman family, and signs of their crest (also seen in the banners hanging for the festival) were visible. There was also a lovely Madonna sculpture.

You may have noticed the prominent red marble in many of the photos. This stone comes from a nearby quarry. The top photo is a wall with a visual history of San Marco D'Alunzio. For example, it shows coins that were minted here. Livo's grandfather began working in the quarry when he was a child, and many of his works, like the planter above, are found throughout the city.

Nebrodi Mountains

Ruins of the Norman Castle, circle 1060.

The Festival: Street food from the Hunter's Club, music (bagpipes!), raptors, archery.

We had a really fun day. Thanks to Livio! And shout-out to Emily Vanchella for shared photos. Below, a few final scenic shots ...