Discover Fiumedinisi

Welcome to Fiumedinisi, a charming Sicilian village that weaves through a millennia-old past, captivating legends, and the vibrancy of a community anchored to its roots.

The traces of human presence in Fiumedinisi date back to 1200 B.C., when the Sicels founded the first inhabited nucleus near Mount Belvedere, as recent archaeological excavations have shown. However, the most reliable information dates to the year 1000 B.C., when the Sicels, having fled from Italy, established the first human settlement in the Chiusa plain, which would later become Nisa. The Greek colonization around the 9th century B.C. left an indelible mark on the village, evident in dialect expressions and artworks that still fascinate today. Roman domination during the First Punic War (264 - 241 B.C.) contributed to the island's prosperity, leading to significant infrastructural developments. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the area was the scene of many invasions, from Byzantine and Gothic dominations to the Arab (827-1091), known for its creativity and fertility. It was during the Arab rule that the town centre was moved downstream, and it is assumed that the Belvedere castle was erected during this period. The Normans, by the mandate of Pope Nicholas II, drove out the Arabs in 1072, starting a prosperous period for Sicily. Fiumedinisi, under the Swabian/Norman dynasty, experienced a period of richness, with the Belvedere castle becoming a key point in the region. After the Norman-Swabian dynasty, control passed to various noble families, including the Colonna Romano, who ruled the fief with great splendour in the 15th century. The reconstruction after the anti-Spanish revolt in 1674 and events like the plague epidemic of 1743 and the flood of 1855 marked the more recent history of the town.

At 1253 meters above sea level, Mount Scuderi is the second peak of the Peloritani, dominating the territories of Alì and Fiumedinisi. Legend has it that the discovery of the "truvatura," a hidden treasure in its underground caves, would solve the economic problems not only of the village but of all Sicily. The "Fiumedinisi – Monte Scuderi" Oriented Natural Reserve, established in 1998, preserves the region's rich biodiversity.

The town centre, at 200 meters above sea level, hosts a monumental heritage that makes it one of the richest in the Ionian area. From the Mother Church dedicated to the Annunciation of Mary to the Churches of San Pietro, San Nicola di Bari, Sant'Anna, del Carmine, and delle Grazie, the churches tell stories of devotion and tradition.

The Festa della Vara, established in the 16th century during the Spanish domination, is celebrated roughly every five years, culminating in a unique procession that crosses the village streets. Other festivities, like the annual celebration of the Annunciation, are rooted in local traditions.

The Belvedere Castle, built by the Arabs in the 9th century, dominates the Ionian coast and guards legends of ancient treasures. The Mint Palace, dating back to 1669, witnesses the era of intense mining activity, with its intricate history and the recent restoration that makes it an integral part of the community's history.

Fiumedinisi, lands of myths and beauties, offers a unique experience in the heart of unseen Sicily. Explore its history-rich streets, participate in ancient traditions, and discover the beauty of this hidden gem among the hills of Sicily, just minutes from the sea and close to Taormina.

For more information and to organize guided tours to explore the territory, you can consult the Facebook page of the Associazione Pro Loco or call the Ethno-Anthropological Museum on Via Ospedale Vecchio.