Nestled in the heart of the Monti Iblei in Sicily lies a village of rare beauty and historical richness: Monterosso Almo. This gem, located 700 metres above sea level, welcomes visitors with an enviable air quality, a privileged geographical position and an extraordinary variety of landscapes, a remarkable artistic heritage and a natural beauty that pleasantly surprises. With a population of just over 3,000 inhabitants, Monterosso Almo boasts the title of one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Italy’. This recognition is not accidental, but testifies to the exceptional historical, cultural and environmental qualities that make this place a popular destination for travellers in search of authentic Italian experiences.
The origins of Monterosso Almo date back to the distant past, as testified by archaeological finds dating the first settlements to the 6th-7th centuries B.C., a period when the area was dominated by the Romans and Arabs. However, the history of this village has even more ancient roots, dating back to the Copper Age, as attested by the Hypogeum of Calaforno, the oldest in the Val di Noto, and the settlements of Monte Casasia, dating back to the 7th century BC. The presence of these archaeological sites suggests a continuity of human settlement over millennia, making Monterosso Almo a fascinating destination for ancient history enthusiasts.
During the Norman period, the village was known as Lupia, or Casal Lupino. In 1168, the village already existed and was owned by the Norman Goffredo, son of Count Roger, under the name of Monte Jahalmo. The current name, Monterosso Almo, originated in the Aragonese period, probably deriving from ‘Mons Almo’ or, according to some sources, from the toponym ‘Mons Rubens’ (Monte Rosso), dating back to 1338 and linked to Count Rosso of Messina.
A crucial event in the history of Monterosso Almo was the earthquake of 1693, which completely destroyed the village. Unlike the old settlement, located lower down, the village was rebuilt on the top of the mountain, giving it the appearance we can admire today. This post-earthquake reconstruction has shaped the current structure of the village and probably influenced its architectural style, making it an example of resilience and rebirth.
Monterosso Almo is nestled in the heart of the Monti Iblei, in the north-eastern part of the province of Ragusa, at the foot of Monte Lauro, at an altitude of 700 metres. This elevated position not only offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys below, but also contributes to a special climate, potentially cooler than in coastal areas. The decision to build the village on high ground, as its history suggests, may also have had a defensive function, offering a strategic position to control the surrounding territory.
The natural beauty that surrounds Monterosso Almo is a real treasure for lovers of the outdoors. The territory is rich in extensive wooded areas, perfect for walks and excursions. The Canalazzo Forest Park, which includes the important necropolis of Monte Casasia dating back to the 7th century B.C., offers the opportunity to enjoy wonderful hiking and cycling activities. The forests of Calaforno, together with the Canalazzo park, contribute to maintaining a healthy air and a verdant landscape.
Along the paths through these woods, in the valley of the Amerillo River, water-powered mills for grinding wheat once operated, so much so that the area was known as the Valley of the Mills. You can still breathe in the rustic atmosphere of yesteryear as you walk along the ancient royal path paved with large limestone paving stones, which runs along the river between poplars and plane trees, intoxicating the air with the scent of wild thyme.
A village of wonders: exploring the sights
Walking through the narrow streets of Monterosso Almo, one can admire the elegance of the Church of San Giovanni Battista, a perfect example of Sicilian Baroque, considered one of the most beautiful in the Val di Noto. The church is distinguished by its 22-metre-high pyramid-shaped façade and the dramatic interior vaulting that illuminates the ivory-white nave. Its façade is oriented precisely to the east, so that every 24 June, St John’s Day, at dawn, the sun can enter through the window and illuminate the simulacrum of the patron saint.
Another notable church is the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and overlooking the characteristic Piazza Sant’Antonio. Also imposing is the Mother Church, also collapsed during the earthquake and subsequently rebuilt. Its façade is composed of four orders, with the last one more distinctive pyramid-shaped, serving as a bell tower with three bells. The interior houses works of art dating back to the 11th-13th centuries.
Not to be forgotten are the small monastic church of Sant’Anna, affectionately known as ‘a bammina’, and the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, dating back to the 18th century.
Dominating the square with its grandeur is Palazzo Cocuzza, now housing the Museo Civico. This palace bears witness to the historical influence of the Cocuzza family, one of the most important Sicilian families of the late 19th century. The museum probably offers an insight into the history and culture of Monterosso Almo.
For lovers of more ancient history, the Monterosso Almo area contains important archaeological remains, such as the Monte Casasia necropolis, dating back to the 7th century B.C., and the Calaforno Hypogeum, the oldest in the Val di Noto, with settlements dating back to the 7th century B.C. These sites, together with the Calaforno Forest Park and the Canalazzo Park, represent a fascinating combination of nature and history, offering visitors the opportunity to explore both the ancient vestiges of the past and the unspoilt beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Life in Monterosso Almo is steeped in traditions and a strong sense of community. The village squares, as in many Sicilian localities, are places for meeting and socialising, where inhabitants gather to chat, hang out in bars and enjoy local specialities, especially on Sundays after mass.
This village boasts a rich calendar of annual festivities, including celebrations in honour of its patron saints, St John the Baptist and Maria Addolorata, celebrated on the first and third Sundays of September, respectively. Other significant events include the Feast of St Joseph in mid-March, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows in April, Easter celebrations, the Sagra dei Cavatieddi in April, the Feast of St John the Baptist in June, the Cherry Festival in June and the Bread Festival in August.
A cultural event of particular interest is the living nativity scene, one of the oldest and most renowned in Sicily, held every year during the Christmas period in the characteristic Matrice district. In this evocative representation, ancient crafts are re-enacted, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the culture and life of the past.
The tour takes visitors on an exciting journey through scenes of everyday life, crafts and traditions, enveloping them in a fascinating atmosphere. Another noteworthy local custom is the preparation of loaves of bread in symbolic shapes for the feasts of various saints: breast-shaped for the feast of Saint Agatha, eye-shaped for the feast of Saint Lucy, and trachea-shaped (‘cannarozza’) for the feast of Saint Biagio.
A taste of Sicily: the gastronomic delights of Monterosso Almo
Monterosso Almo offers a superb food and wine experience, with genuine flavours derived from ancient peasant traditions. Local specialities include ‘cavatieddi’, cherries, almonds, bread and ‘scacce’, mushrooms, sausages and wild boar meat.
Bread is a real speciality of the village, in particular ‘u scacciuni’, a hard loaf to be enjoyed still warm with oil, oregano and ‘cappuliatu’, chopped dried tomatoes. The region is rich in agricultural products of excellence, including table grapes, several varieties of cereals such as ‘u ciciruocculu’ (chickling vetch), used to prepare ‘patacò’ with vegetables, almonds, olives, walnuts and a large quantity of fruit and cherries.
To celebrate these culinary riches, Monterosso Almo hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Bread Festival, the Scaccione Festival, the Cavatieddi Festival and the Cherry Festival. On the feast of the patron saint, it is customary to prepare ‘u iaddu chinu’, a rooster stuffed with meat, rice and spices.
Monterosso Almo and its surroundings offer a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. Visitors can choose from charming bed and breakfasts, comfortable hotels, self-catering flats and villas, and cosy agritourisms.
Many accommodations can also be found in neighbouring towns such as Chiaramonte Gulfi, Ragusa and Modica, offering a wider choice and the possibility to explore different locations in the region. The presence of agritourisms, such as Locanda Angelica Le Due Palme, offers the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Sicilian rural experience, savouring the local cuisine and perhaps participating in agricultural activities.
Getting there and around: transport information
Reaching Monterosso Almo is mainly by bus, with frequent connections from the main nearby towns such as Ragusa, Catania and Vizzini. From Ragusa, there is a direct bus that arrives at Monterosso Almo in about 50 minutes. There are also bus connections from Vizzini, with a journey time of about 25 minutes. Travellers from Syracuse need to take a bus to Francofonte and then a taxi to Monterosso Almo. From Catania, several bus routes are available, with an average journey time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Once in Monterosso Almo, the best way to explore the village is on foot, thanks to its narrow, winding streets and hilly terrain. The surrounding landscape, particularly the road coming from Ragusa, offers suggestive scenery that also lends itself to cycling excursions.
Monterosso Almo welcomes visitors throughout the year, with each season offering a different experience. Spring and autumn are ideal for those who prefer mild temperatures and less crowding, while summer is perfect for enjoying the warm weather. However, to fully experience the local culture and traditions, it is advisable to visit the village during one of the many festivals that enliven the annual calendar, in particular the renowned living nativity scene at Christmas time.
For information and assistance during your stay, please refer to the Town Hall, located at Piazza San Giovanni no. 9. Additional tourist information may be available online. For a pleasant and memorable experience, it is suggested that you take some time to stroll through the village’s charming streets and alleys, discovering hidden corners and immersing yourself in the authentic atmosphere of this Sicilian gem. Choosing accommodation close to the main attractions can also make your visit even more comfortable and enjoyable.
Monterosso Almo proves to be an enchanting destination, a village rich in history, culture and traditions, set against a natural backdrop of rare beauty. Whether you are attracted by its thousand-year history, its lively festivals, its picturesque landscapes or its tasty cuisine, this corner of Sicily will offer you an authentic and unforgettable travel experience.