Trecastagni 

The charming town of Trecastagni is located a few minutes from Catania, in a panoramic position on the Volcano Mt. Etna, 560 meters above sea level.

While many assume that the name of this village can be literally translated as "Three Chestnuts", the name was actually derived from the Latin, Tres-Casti-Agni or "Three Chaste Lambs", referring to the Three Saints Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino.  During the time of the Roman Empire, a noble couple, Vitale and Benedicta, had converted to Christianity. Their three sons, Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino were privately educated in the Christian faith by their parents and by Onesimus, a Greek scholar. In the year 250 AD, the Emperor issued an edict demanding that all Christians renounce their faith and demonstrate allegiance to the State by worshipping him and the Roman gods. Failure to obey the edict was considered treason, and the penalty was death. Benedicta refused to obey the edict and she was martyred. Vitale escaped to a monastic community, leaving his sons in the care of their tutor. At the time, Alfio was twenty-one, Filadelfo was twenty and Cirino was nineteen years old.

Because the brothers were so young and came from a highly regarded noble family, the Roman authorities hoped to convince them or force them into a public renunciation of their Christian faith so that others would follow. However, a succession of officials failed to get the boys to yield. Finally, they were sent to Sicily where a young Roman patriot named Tertullo had already gained fame for ruthless interrogation and torture of Christians.

The brothers landed in Messina on August 25, 252 AD. They were marched from there to Taormina with a heavy beam strapped to their shoulders. The brothers arrived in the village which is now known as Trecastagni on September 1, where they rested for the night. The brothers were then marched south to Catania and on the 3rd of September they entered Lentini.

Wherever Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino went, miracles were attributed to them. Their suffering and their refusal to give in to the power of the Roman authorities inspired more people to convert to Christianity. Tertullo tried several means of torture, all to no avail. Furious, he ordered the final instruments of death for the brothers: a pair of tongs to tear out the tongue of Alfio, a gridiron set over coals for Filadelfo, and a cauldron filled with hot oil for young Cirino. On May 10, 253 the three young men refused for the last time to renounce their faith. Before his death, Alfio spoke these words to Tertullo: "You may remove my tongue so I cannot speak, but I will never cease to give thanks and praise to God in my heart, for the eternal truth for which I die." Led by the eldest, each brother went to his death, a martyrdom which earned them the everlasting love and respect of all who had witnessed their bravery and devotion. Their tombs remain in Lentini (near Catania) to this day, beneath the Church of Sant'Alfio.

The real development begins at the end of the Middle Ages when, as a little village, it came under the control of Catania. In the 17th century it was sold to a merchant that later sold it to the Prince Di Giovanni who ordered the construction of a palace for his court. Subsequently, Trecastagni passed under the control of the Alliata di Villafranca family until it became an independent town.

Catania and many of the towns surrounding the Volcano, including Trecastagni, were destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1693. With the exception of only a few parts that survived, the oldest part of the town that can be seen today was reconstructed after the earthquake with a typical architectural style, using the lava of the Volcano, typical of this part of Sicily. The urban development of Trecastagni began in the same period as a result of the emergent middle class. Beautiful villas began to take on the artistic characteristics of the Baroque and liberty styles. It is possible to recognize the same styles inside the churches built in the same period along with the use of lava that covers their facades.

San Nicola Church (or “Chiesa Madre”) merits particular attention for its interior and for its wonderful position on a hill that looks over the rest of the town and nearby Catania.

Also, not to be missed is the Sanctuary of Saints Alfio, Filadelfio and Cirino, patron Saints of Trecastagni. Inside the church one can admire thousands of typical pictures that local people have been drawing for centuries, expressing their devotion to the three Saints.

There is also a beautiful 19th century theater.

Since for centuries the main product has been grapes, the economy of the town is still today based on the market of the wine. Looking at the country side, one can also see the typical “Palmenti”, buildings in lava where for centuries the wine has been made. This characteristic makes Trecastagni one of the most important places for the tourism of wine.

Above the town, really old chestnut woods dominate the view. In order to preserve its natural beauty , recently Trecastagni has been included in the National Park of Mt. Etna

The surrounding area

Trecastagni is in an ideal location to visit many of the magnificent places nearby. Although the town is on a mountain, the nearest beach is only 5 miles away.

Folklore

Seventeen centuries later, in the town of Trecastagni, there are still feasts held on May 10 each year in honor of St. Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino. This is the most important religious event of the town. Many devotees come from all over Eastern Sicily, to honor the three Saints. At noon the statues of the three Saints are taken out of the Church and followed by the launching of fireworks and confetti and afterward they are carried in a procession through the streets of the town.

On the same day it is possible to watch a parade of traditional colorful painted Sicilian carriages and to buy typical Sicilian products in an open market..

Cuisine

In Trecastagni one can taste many traditional foods that Sicily has to offer. One should not pass up the chance to taste the fresh wild local mushrooms, fresh fish, and the famous “arancini” (rise balls with meat and sauce) in the many charming little restaurants. Among desserts and pastry are “cannoli” and “cassate” with ricotta cheese, “granite” (almond, coffee or other flavors ice) really good with oven fresh brioches (soft sweet bread) which can be nest enjoyed sitting outside at the little cafés. It is also possible to sample a wide variety of local wines and many fresh fruits.

Food: Restaurant-pizza 

All’Angolo
Via Catania ,37 tel 095 7806988
Al Nuovo Mulino 
 Via  Mulino a Vento ,48 tel 78066334
Il Vittoriale
Via  Ronzini 30 tel 095 7800795
I Saponari Osteria -Yogurteria
C. so Vittorio Emanuele 126/128
tel 095 7809907
La Baita
 via Ronzini, 57 tel 095 7808315
Osteria  Marconi 
P.zza Marconi 21 tel 095 7800399
Peccati di Gola 
C.so Europa 17 tel 095 7806054
Trattoria Archi Verdi  
p. Marconi, 35  tel 3284254509
Victoria Park
Via Aglialoro, 9 tel 095 7800802
Villa  Taverna
Via C. Colombo, 42 tel 095 7806458