‍Located in the Sicilian province of Messina, the medieval village of Montalbano Elicona is rich in cultural heritage, artistic beauty, and scenic landscapes, making it one of Italy’s most beautiful borghi. 

Montalbano Elicona is a picturesque village in Sicily, situated about 85 km from the capital city of Messina. With a population of just over 2,000 inhabitants, it is a fascinating destination that captures the essence of Sicilian heritage and history. In 2015, Montalbano Elicona was awarded the prestigious title of Borgo dei Borghi, recognizing it as the most beautiful village in Italy for its exceptional artistic, historical, and panoramic features. 

The name Montalbano Elicona is believed to derive from the Latin Mons Albus, meaning “white mountain,” referring to the snow-capped mountains surrounding the village in winter, and the Elicona River that runs through it. Situated approximately 900 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the Nebrodi mountains and the Aeolian islands. Its lush natural environment, teeming with forests and wildlife, creates a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere. Due to its remote and tranquil setting, Montalbano Elicona is sometimes called the “Tibet of Sicily”.

Montalbano’s history has been shaped by different cultures, notably the Normans. The medieval castle, built over an Arab-Byzantine fortification, was expanded by King Frederick II of Swabia. During the Aragonese period, the castle became a royal palace where Frederick III of Aragon spent his summers. The village is also home to the 12^th century Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, which houses valuable artworks and sculptures.

Renowned for its artisanal traditions, Montalbano Elicona is also famous for its provola, a caciocavallo cheese crafted using ancient methods. The fertile landscape is home to a rich agricultural heritage, with grazing lands playing a key role in shaping the region’s food culture.

Montalbano holds a special place in my heart. As a child, my parents would take me on Sunday getaways to enjoy the famous local bread, made with traditional Sicilian flours and baked in a wood-fired oven. We would also stop to drink the fresh mineral water from a spring high in the Nebrodi mountains, near the Fontalba water plant, and indulge in delicious hazelnut pastries and the traditional cimino biscuits at local cafés. I particularly remember the exquisite meals at the local trattorias, where we would enjoy hand-made maccheroni in a rich tomato sauce.

I also recall the vibrant festivals that bring the village to life, such as the Provola di Basicò Festa, a gastronomic event featuring craft stands and seasonal products, and Il Presepe Vivente (The Living Nativity) during Christmas time, one of Sicily’s most beautiful. The Madonna della Provvidenza Festa, celebrated on August 24^th, has honoured the patron saint since ancient times. I learned from a Montalbano resident, Enzo Ruggeri, that this is one of the oldest feasts in the Nebrodi area.

During my PhD studies at the University of Messina, I had the great privilege of attending international summer schools held in a medieval castle. We’d stay for two weeks in lovely accommodations provided for us and had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. This experience deepened my appreciation for beauty of the village, its food, and the warmth of the locals. I also took part in the famous Aragonese Festivals, which feature a dramatized welcome for King Frederick III of Aragon, along with a historical procession that revives the village’s royal past.

One of my favourite spots is the Megalithic site of Argimusco, situated in the nearby Malabotta Forest. Often referred to as the “Stonehenge of Sicily,” this site features large megaliths that have inspired artistic and mystical interpretations for centuries. Aside from its beauty, it offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna, and the Nebrodi and Peloritani Mountains. I have an unforgettable memory of the 2014 Archaestronomy Festival, when the influential and eclectic Sicilian musician Franco Battiato premiered his documentary Attraversando il Bardo, filmed in Nepal and Italy, and which featured the mystical Argimusco site.

Montalbano is of significant sentimental value for many emigrants, particularly those who left Sicily in the 1950s for countries like Australia. According to Dr. Giuseppe Simone, former mayor of the village, “return tourism” highlights both the potential and challenges for small towns. In 2012, Simone, accompanied by a group of around 30 people, visited Australian cities including Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, and Brisbane, where he met emigrants from Montalbano Elicona. 

The trip visit had two main goals: to let them know that their hometown had not forgotten them, and to share the ambitious achievements that had transformed Montalbano into one of Italy's most beautiful villages.  Many of these emigrants, now successful entrepreneurs, have overcome the economic hardships that once compelled to leave. However, Simone believes that a targeted and incentivized tourism strategy to reconnect the diaspora with their roots is essential to helping revitalize small towns like Montalbano Elicona.

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