Melilli

Coordinates: 37°11′N 15°7′E / 37.183°N 15.117°E / 37.183; 15.117
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Melilli
Comune di Melilli
Location of Melilli
Map
UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
96010
Dialing code0931
Patron saintSaint Sebastian
Saint day4 May
WebsiteOfficial website

Melilli (

Syracuse
.

Geography

Melilli stands at about 310 metres (1,020 ft) above sea level close to the Monti Climiti chain, overlooking the Megara bay and the industrial district of Augusta-Priolo.

Melilli borders the following municipalities: Augusta, Carlentini, Priolo Gargallo, Syracuse, Sortino.

History

The human presence in the area is attested since the Bronze Age. Its strategic situation between the major cities of Augusta and Syracuse has played a critical role in its growth. In the feudal age, it became a dominion of the Augusta County.

It managed to revive after two devastating quakes in 1542 and 1693. Since 1842 it has been an autonomous city.

Main sights

The Chiesa Madre San Nicolò Vescovo (Mother Church of St Nicolas, Bishop of Myra), dedicated to Saint Nicholas, has a ceiling painted with the Triumph of the Faith by Olivo Sozzi.

The church of San Sebastiano, dating from the 18th century, houses various paintings by Sozzi, among which are a Coronation of Saint Sebastian and The Triumph of the Faith, and a marble altarpiece representing the Deposition of St. Bartholomew.

The church of Sant'Antonio Abate has bronze bas-reliefs on the portal by Domenico Girbino.

Nature

The River Marcellino, flowing nearby, offers naturalistic spots and an old necropolis. The neighboring salt-mines of Augusta were an important economic resource as far as the end of World War II.

Economy

Culture

Feasts in the town include:

  • Carnival
  • Christ's nativity representation (during Christmas)
  • Holy week
  • Feast of Saint Sebastian - 4 May (Patron Saint of the town)

Twin towns

  • USA

References

  1. ^ "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  2. Istat
    .

External links