Melilli

Melilli
Comune
Comune di Melilli
Melilli
Location of Melilli in Italy
Coordinates: 37°11′N 15°7′E / 37.183°N 15.117°E / 37.183; 15.117Coordinates: 37°11′N 15°7′E / 37.183°N 15.117°E / 37.183; 15.117
Country Italy
Region Sicily
Province Province of Syracuse (SR)
Frazioni Villasmundo, Città Giardino, Marina di Melilli
Government
 • Mayor Giuseppe Carta
Area
 • Total 136.42 km2 (52.67 sq mi)
Elevation 310 m (1,020 ft)
Population (30 November 2017)[1]
 • Total 13,533
 • Density 99/km2 (260/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Melillesi
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code 96010
Dialing code 0931
Patron saint Saint Sebastian
Saint day 4th of May
Website Official website

Melilli (Sicilian: Miliddi) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Syracuse, Sicily (southern Italy), located about 190 kilometres (120 mi) southeast of Palermo and about 20 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Syracuse.

Geography

Melilli stands at about 310 metres (1,020 ft) above sea level close to the Monti Climiti chain, overlooking the Megara bay and the industrial district of Augusta-Priolo.

Melilli borders the following municipalities: Augusta, Carlentini, Priolo Gargallo, Syracuse, Sortino.

History

The human presence in the area is attested since the Bronze Age. Its strategic situation between the major cities of Augusta and Syracuse has played a critical role in its growth. In the feudal age, it became a dominion of the Augusta County.

It managed to revive after two devastating quakes in 1542 and 1693. Since 1842 it has been an autonomous city.

Main sights

The Chiesa Madre (Mother Church), dedicated to Saint Nicholas, has a ceiling painted with the Triumph of the Faith by Olivo Sozzi. The church of San Sebastiano, dating from the 18th century, houses various paintings by Sozzi, among which are a Coronation of Saint Sebastian and The Triumph of the Faith, and a marble altarpiece representing the Deposition of St. Bartholomew.

Nature

The River Marcellino, flowing nearby, offers naturalistic spots and an old necropolis. The neighboring salt-mines of Augusta were an important economic resource as far as the end of World War II.

Economy

Culture

Feasts in the town include:

  • Carnival
  • Christ's nativity representation (during Christmas)
  • Holy week
  • Feast of Saint Sebastian - 4 May (Patron Saint of the town)

Twin towns

References

  1. ↑ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.

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