Sicily, an island steeped in history and culture, holds among its landscapes an urban jewel of rare beauty: Grammichele. This town, located in the province of Catania, enchants not only for its rich historical heritage, but above all for its unique hexagonal plan, a true masterpiece of engineering and vision that makes it a must-see destination for travellers in search of unique and fascinating destinations.
A journey through time: the history and distinctive shape of Grammichele
The history of Grammichele is inextricably linked to a catastrophic event that shook eastern Sicily in 1693: a terrible earthquake that razed numerous settlements to the ground, including the nearby town of Occhiolà. The destruction of Occhiolà did not spell the end for its population, but rather represented the beginning of a new era, thanks to the foresight and sensitivity of the Prince of Butera, Carlo Maria Carafa. A man of culture, patron and lover of the arts and sciences, Prince Carafa decided to commission the reconstruction of a new town to accommodate the survivors. His humanitarian vision was fundamental in giving a new home and dignity to the inhabitants of Occhiolà.
Grammichele’s most striking feature is undoubtedly its hexagonal urban plan, a revolutionary design for the time, conceived by architect Friar Michele da Feria (or Michele da Ferla). This unusual shape, unique in Italy, may have been inspired by Renaissance theories of the ideal city and bears similarities to the plan of Palmanova.
The choice of a hexagonal plan was not accidental, but represented an innovative and rational approach to urban reconstruction, making Grammichele a case study for town planners and architects. Six radial streets converge towards the heart of the town, a square that is also hexagonal in shape.
The care and precision of the original project is evidenced by the preservation of the slate tablet on which the town plan was engraved, now kept in the Town Hall. The construction of Grammichele marked the replacement of the pre-existing rural village of Occhiolà, destroyed by the earthquake. The name Grammichele itself has ancient roots, possibly deriving from Greek (with a meaning related to the plough), and in the medieval period it was known as Occhiolà. The historical continuity between the old settlement and the new town is a fundamental aspect of Grammichele’s identity, a bond that its inhabitants remember with passion.
Unveiling the treasures: exploring the attractions of Grammichele
The centre of town life is Piazza Carlo Maria Carafa, a large hexagonal area dedicated to its founder. A bronze statue of Prince Carafa stands on the square, its base adorned with steps symbolising the virtues of knowledge. Another notable presence is the horizontal sundial, considered one of the largest in the world, which further enriches this central space. The square is not only a meeting point, but a place that reflects the history and values that have shaped the city.
Overlooking the square is the Chiesa Madre di San Michele Arcangelo, an imposing Baroque building dedicated to the patron saints, St Michael Archangel and St Catherine of Alexandria. Its construction lasted a long time and also saw the intervention of architect Carlo Sada. The Mother Church represents the spiritual heart of the Grammichele community and bears witness to its religious devotion.
The Municipal Palace, in Renaissance style and also designed by Carlo Sada, stands next to the church and houses the Civic Museum. The museum houses a rich archaeological collection documenting the ancient origins of the territory and the town of Occhiolà, including a valuable terracotta nativity. A particularly valuable piece is the original slate slab with the hexagonal plan of Grammichele. The Museo Civico offers visitors a valuable window into the area’s past, linking ancient Occhiolà with modern Grammichele.
A short distance from the town is the archaeological site of Occhiolà. Here you can admire the ruins of the medieval village destroyed by the earthquake, with the remains of the castle and simple rural dwellings. The site has also yielded evidence of even more ancient settlements dating back to the Bronze Age, including a rock sanctuary dedicated to Demeter with votive terracottas. A visit to Occhiolà provides an insight into the long history of this area, which predates the foundation of present-day Grammichele. It is advisable to check whether a reservation is necessary for access.
Other places of interest include the Hermitage of Calvario and the Church of San Leonardo, known for a precious crucifix. Strolling through the streets of the town, one can also discover artistic sundials that, like the one in the main square, mark time with their shadows.
Embracing the local spirit: traditions, festivals and events
The life of Grammichele is animated by various events that reflect its cultural and religious identity. The Feast of the Patron Saints, Saint Catherine and Saint Michael Archangel, is the community’s most heartfelt and eagerly awaited event, usually celebrated in the month of May. The procession of the simulacra of the patron saints, leaving the Mother Church, is a culminating moment of faith, tradition and folklore, accompanied by festivities, fireworks and the launching into the air of the characteristic coloured balloons, the ‘pallune di San Michele’. This festival is a vibrant expression of the community spirit and deep devotion of the inhabitants of Grammichele.
In September, on the occasion of the Feast of the Madonna del Piano, the traditional Sagra della Salsiccia (Sausage Festival) is held. The protagonist of this festival is the sasizza ô ceppu, the typical sausage of Grammichele, still prepared with an artisanal method that involves processing the meat on a wooden log. The festival offers the opportunity to taste this local speciality and get to know the gastronomic traditions of the area.
Carnival in Grammichele is also a time of celebration and merriment, with parades and local traditions animating the streets of the city, usually in March. Participating in these celebrations allows visitors to immerse themselves in the lively and convivial atmosphere of the community.
In addition to these main festivities, there are other religious festivities such as the Feast of the Risen Christ and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.
A taste of Sicily
Grammichele’s gastronomy is closely linked to Sicilian culinary traditions, with a focus on local products. The real звезда of the table is the sasizza ô ceppu, a sausage with a unique flavour and artisanal preparation. Its uniqueness lies in the method of processing the meat, which is cut with a knife on a wooden log, giving it an unmistakable texture and flavour.
In addition to the sausage, visitors can enjoy other typical Sicilian dishes, such as cannoli, cassata and arancini. The surrounding area is fertile and renowned for the production of citrus fruits, olives and wine, products that can be enjoyed in the area’s restaurants and agritourisms. The local cuisine is therefore a combination of authentic flavours and fresh, genuine ingredients.
To fully immerse yourself in the flavours of Grammichele, it is advisable to explore the local restaurants and agriturismi, where you can enjoy real traditional cuisine. Many of these also offer traditional pizzas, fish and meat dishes, and typical Sicilian desserts.
Grammichele offers several accommodation options to meet the needs of every traveller, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, agriturismi and holiday homes. The variety of choices makes it possible to find the ideal solution for every type of stay and budget.
Hotels in and around Grammichele offer services and amenities for a pleasant stay, often with restaurants, parking and positive reviews. Bed and breakfasts are often a more intimate choice and offer a more hands-on experience. Agritourism, such as Agriturismo Valle dei Margi, allow you to stay immersed in the Sicilian countryside, often with the possibility of tasting local products directly on site.
This type of accommodation offers an authentic and relaxing experience in contact with nature. Finally, holiday homes and flats are ideal for those who want more autonomy and flexibility during their stay. When choosing, it is advisable to consider proximity to the city centre or the main attractions.
Getting around: transport to and around Grammichele
Grammichele is easy to reach thanks to its proximity to the airports of Catania-Fontanarossa (CTA) and Comiso (CIY). From Catania, Grammichele can be reached by bus (with direct connections) or by train (also with direct connections). Journey times vary depending on the means of transport, but in general they are around one hour and fifteen minutes by bus and a little more by train, with affordable costs. For those who want more freedom of movement, it is possible to rent a car directly at the airport.
Once in Grammichele, the historic centre, with its distinctive hexagonal shape, lends itself perfectly to being explored on foot. Buses and local trains are available to reach the surrounding areas or nearby localities. Again, a hire car can be a convenient solution for exploring the region independently.
Grammichele can be visited at any time of year, but spring and autumn offer a particularly mild and pleasant climate. For a richer cultural experience, it is advisable to plan your visit to coincide with local festivals, such as the Feast of the Patron Saints or the Sausage Festival. Summer is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities, while the quieter winter is perfect for a relaxing getaway.
For information and assistance during your stay, you can contact the local tourist office. It is advisable to check the opening hours of museums and archaeological sites in advance. Due to the cobbled streets, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking. Don’t forget to bring sun cream and a hat, especially in the summer months.
During your visit, be captivated by the local culture and traditions, taste the delicious cuisine and interact with the warm hospitality of the inhabitants. Take time to admire the uniqueness of the hexagonal layout and discover the history behind this fascinating village.
Grammichele proves to be a surprising destination, capable of captivating visitors with its history, singular architecture, lively culture and rich gastronomic tradition. A true Sicilian jewel just waiting to be discovered.