GREEN GOLD
S1 - E1
THE CITIES
NICOLOSI
ADRANO
BRONTE
RANDAZZO
Nicolosi was named after the Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò la Rena, established in 1359. The monastery, which was a dependency of Santa Maria di Licodia, was supposed to be built under the rule of Frederick II of Aragon. It grew in significance and prosperity and eventually became the seat of the abbey.
Due to frequent Mount Etna eruptions and raids by bandits, the Benedictine monks moved the monastery to Catania, where they established the monastery of San Nicolo la Rena. Nicolosi continued to thrive, relying on sheep farming and agriculture until the eruption of 1669 destroyed the town. The residents were compelled to leave and settle in Valcorrente. However, due to their determination and strong attachment to their land, they sought permission to rebuild the town. Their request was granted, and in 1681, Nicolosi was able to rebuild and gain administrative autonomy.
The settlement, initially established by the Siculians, was later turned into a Greek city called Adranon in 400 BC. Over time, it came under Roman, Byzantine, and Saracen rule. The city saw significant advances in agriculture and handicrafts during the Saracen rule, thanks to the Arabs. Even after the Normans took over, they allowed the Saracens to continue their profitable activities for the city's inhabitants. However, under the Swabians, the Arab population faced persecution, leading to the city's decline.
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Due to its location on a lava plateau overlooking the Simeto River valley, the city had an exceptional microclimate. The Arabs took advantage of this and introduced and developed the production of citrus fruits, olives, pistachios, and vegetables
Bronte is located on the west slopes of Etna, within the Park of this mountain, as well as within the park of the Nebrodi mountains. Its economy is primarily based on farming, particularly the cultivation of pistachio nuts, which, owing to the unique climate of Etna, have a distinctive taste and a characteristic green color.
Legend has it that the town of Bronte was founded by a Cyclops named Bronte, who served the god Vulcan. The modern city of Bronte was established in 1520 by Emperor Charles V of Habsburg. In 1799, British admiral Horatio Nelson was appointed duke by Ferdinand I, the king of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. This appointment was made through a significant donation of lands, including the Castle, formerly the Abbey, later known as Nelson’s Castle, and the church of Saint Mary, in the surroundings of Maniace.
On the northern slopes of the volcano, near the Nebrodi mountains, lies Randazzo, the closest inhabited point to Etna's main crater. The town has three main districts, each with an important church representing the communities that once lived there. The churches include Santa Maria Assunta, San Nicola, and San Martino. Randazzo also features an archaeological museum and the Puppet Opera Museum with a collection of 36 puppets from the late 19th and early 20th century.
THE STOPS
(In Show Order)
NICOLOSI
Osteria Garibaldi - Dinner
Second visit to 'Osteria Garibaldi' in Nicolosi was another culinary delight. The 'Ravioli con pomodorino cifegino, funghi porcini, chiodini e ferla' offered a burst of freshness with cifegino tomatoes and the richness of porcini and chiodini mushrooms.
BRONTE
Pistachio Farm
The green gold, or frastuca, as it used to be called when it was used as a medicine, is truly emerald in color. It has an incomparable flavor and aroma and produces unique ice creams, custards, sweet and salty sauces, and desserts. It’s incredibly adaptable with its delicate balance between sweet and savory.
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RANDAZZO
Feudo Vagliasindi - Hotel
In a villa of the early twentieth century, surrounded by authentic sicilian landscapes, the Hotel Feudo
Vagliasindi offers a dream vacation at the slope of Etna. Feudo Vagliasindi is a nobiliary house in Art Nouveau style, with elegant minimalist interiors, featuring a swimming pool, restaurant, free parking and wi-fi. It borders with the Etna park, the nature reserve of Alcantara and Nebrodi Park, the largest protected area of Sicily.
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