Altavilla Milicia
Altavilla Milicia is a city in the province of Palermo in the Italian region Sicily, with 7547 inhabitants ( 31 December 2012).
Location and data
Altavilla Milicia is located 27 km east of Palermo. The inhabitants mainly work in agriculture and tourism.
The neighboring municipalities are Casteldaccia and Trabia.
History
On September 15, 1621 Francesco Maria Beccadelli di Bologna bought the fief " Mìlicha " in whose center stood a dilapidated estate. A year later, he was granted the right to found a place and give it a name. He chose " Alta Villa ", as the place was on a hill. 1623 Altavilla Milicia was a parish. The further development of the town was planned like a chessboard. This structure has Altavilla Milicia on today.
Attractions
- The central meeting place of Altavilla Milicia is the Belvedere. It offers a sweeping view of the Mediterranean Sea and was originally the location of the founder family, Beccadelli di Bologna dedicated. Today, the dedication also extends to Aldo Moro and Rosario Livatino.
- The Belvedere is also the square of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Milicia, the patron saint of the place.
- In the museum of this Sanctuary is a collection of 400 votive paintings.
- On a hill to the east of Altavilla Milicia are the ruins of the church of Santa Maria di Campogrosso. It was probably founded in 1086-1072 by the Normans.
- A little further east, the Normans also built at this time a defensive tower. He is Maria di Campogrosso very good condition compared to the Church of Santa.
- Near the ruins of Santa Maria di Campogrosso you will find the Ponte Saraceno, a bridge, which probably originated during the Arab occupation of Sicily and is still used today.
Festivals
Each year there is a festival in honor of the patron saint, the Madonna della Milicia on September 8. The highlights of the festival is a procession during the two, secured by ropes, Angels performing children praise the Madonna over the heads of the procession participants.