Historical notes
The origin of the name refers to the shape of the promontory on which the village stands, whose shape reminds us of the "mola", the wheel used in mills to grind.
The first traces of human settlement on the territory date back to the Iron Age, when the centre of Mylai was located here: the finds discovered in the burial area of Cocolonazzo and the pictograms present in the Tombs of Grottolella date back to the same period, between X and VII BC.
With the fall of Rome, Castelmola was conquered first by the Byzantines and then by the Arabs who dominated until the arrival of the Normans in 1078, headed by King Roger.
Throughout its history, Castelmola was on the side of the Swabians and the D'Aragons against the Angevins and Angevins, until it became part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1738 and then of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.
Discovering the historical centre of Castelmola
The historical centre of Castelmola is dominated by the remains of the ancient Norman Castle, built around the 9th century by order of the strategist of Taormina, Costantino Caramalo, to oppose the Arab enemies. Between April and October, in the evocative setting of the ruined castle, falconry demonstrations are held, the medieval hunting art of which, for example, Frederick II of Swabia was a great fan. Don't miss the exciting shows of birds of prey such as eagles, vultures and especially hawks in flight.
Next to the remains of the castle, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the coast, Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna, stands the Chapel of the Madonna della Scala, carved into the rock. Inside the grotto you can see a mysterious painting of the Virgin whose author is still unknown.
At the foot of the ruined castle lies the historic centre of Castelmola, around the small Piazza Sant'Antonio. This panoramic widening, with a view of Taormina, is embellished by a mosaic pavement where black lava stone alternates with white. The small square takes its name from the Church of Sant'Antonio, which houses an auditorium where you can learn more about the history of the village.
Around the centre are historic buildings such as Casa Sterrantino, craft shops and the 18th-century Caffè San Giorgio, the oldest inn in Castelmola. In the historic Caffè San Giorgio you can taste one of the local specialities: "il Blandanino", an almond wine produced only in Castelmola. Apparently it was Don Vincenzo Blandano who invented this exquisite wine, apparently exploiting the typically Greek infusion techniques handed down over time.
Not far from Piazza Sant'Antonio, you can visit the pretty Church of San Giorgio, with its fascinating bell tower decorated with four pyramidal pinnacles at the corners. Inside you can admire some 17th century paintings, 18th century wooden statues and a wooden organ from the same period that is still in perfect working order, while descending into the crypt you will find yourself in the dark catacombs of the church.
Walking along the streets of Castelmola you will find many other churches worth visiting: for example, in Piazza Duomo there is the Church of San Nicola di Bari, where you can appreciate the mix of Arab-Norman-Gothic styles; on Piazzetta del Belvedere there is the Church of San Biagio, the first sacred building erected in Castelmola after the arrival of San Pancrazio in 40 AD.
The village in celebration
On 23 April Castelmola hosts the patronal festival dedicated to Saint George, one of the main events in the village, which also coincides with the Primavera in Borgo festival. There is no better occasion to discover the village's traditions and gastronomy: in addition to almond wine, you can sample other specialities such as local honey, dried figs stuffed with walnuts, sugared almonds called chiazzate and cuddura, the classic Easter doughnut decorated with eggs.
During the Christmas period, Castelmola attracts many tourists thanks to its nativity scenes, which are displayed along the ancient streets and in the squares throughout the village, which are lit up for the occasion. The route that goes from the centre of Castelmola to Taormina is called Via dei Presepi (Street of the Cribs), along which there are also stands and fairs with typical products and sweets.
But that's not all. The most awaited and suggestive event is surely the Living Crib, that could not miss in the village of Castelmola, known for its cribs.
