Castroreale

A Village of History and Beauty
Castroreale, a charming Sicilian village, rises imposingly on Torace Hill, a gem set in the northwestern Peloritani Mountains. Its history is lost in the folds of antiquity, when Hieron II, king of Syracuse, defeated the Mamertines near the banks of the Longano stream in 265 BC. Today, the town, which developed around a pre-existing castle, stretches out joyfully, offering a panoramic view that will leave any visitor breathless.

The village, initially known as Cristina or Crizzina, came into being during the Norman-Swabian period. It matured its importance through the centuries due to its strategic location. It played a key role in the system of fortifications along the Tyrrhenian coast, protecting the Plain of Milazzo, and was located on vital routes that connected with forts on the Ionian coast. Thus, Castroreale grew, both in economic prosperity and in territorial extent, always remaining a state-owned town.

A medieval panorama among artistic and religious treasures
The heart of Castroreale still pulsates with medieval charm, with narrow, steep streets paved in stone or "jacatu" as it is called in the local dialect. Numerous churches and religious buildings characterize the panorama of the village, telling through their presence the historical events of the area. Prominent among them are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Church of St. Agatha, the Church of Candlemas, and many others rich in priceless works of art.

Not only places of worship, but also important civil structures adorn the village of Castroreale. Among these, the Tower of Frederick II can boast the title of most interesting architecture, being part of the ancient castle ordered by Frederick of Aragon. Other points of interest are the Peculio Palace, the elegant seat of the municipality, and the Monte di Pietà founded in 1581.

One of Castroreale's main attractions is its wonderful Planetarium, built by the local Andromeda association. A simulator of the vault of heaven that allows visitors to explore the universe, observe the constellations and take a journey through time to discover what the sky looked like thousands of years ago.

Local events, festivals and traditions
Castroreale vibrates with intense spirituality and religious fervor during various annual events and celebrations. Prominent among these is the celebration of the Cristo Lungo, an event that runs through the streets of the village three times a year. During the festive days, the small village comes alive with the Sagra del Biscotto Castriciano (Castrician Biscuit Festival). Stepping into the heart of Castrorealese culture, visitors will enjoy the delicious combination of local cookies with refreshing lemon granita.

As a whole, Castroreale represents a true Sicilian treasure, a place where history, art, traditions and natural beauty come together to create an unforgettable experience for anyone who decides to visit.

BY CAR

• Along the highway, the closest exits to the center of Castroreale are:
  - Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto exit (A20 Messina-Buonfornello)
  - Exit Milazzo - Aeolian Islands (A20 Messina-Buonfornello)
  - Roccalumera exit (A18 Messina-Catania / Siracusa-Rosolini)
  - Taormina exit (A18 Messina-Catania / Siracusa-Rosolini)

ON THE TRAIN

• Barcelona station - Castroreale
• Milazzo station

BY PLANE

• Reggio Calabria airport
• Catania airport

• June - Corpus Domini flower festival. The previous night are arranged all along Corso Umberto I the floral paintings, depicting images linked to’religious event and places and monuments of the village.

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• early August - Castroreale Jazz. Review of jazz music in the evocative setting of Piazza Peculio, behind the arc of the Synagogue and in front of the sixteenth-century bell tower of the Church of SS. The savior. 

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• Second half of August - Castriciano Biscuit Festival. Distribution of biscuits dunked in granita lemon. This is the most ancient feast of the village.

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• Sagra della Ricotta in the locality of Bafia, with tasting of dishes and cakes made with ricotta.

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• Wild Boar Festival, with tasting of dishes based on wild boar and pork sausages.

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• December-january - Living Manger and Pasturato (re-enactment of the visit of the pastors to the cave with the recitation of ancient strofette in dialect).