Holiday apartment in Capizzi: churches, the Nebrodi and historic trails

Capizzi lies at an altitude of 1,130 metres above sea level in the southern part of the Nebrodi, on a hill at the foot of Monte Averna. Much of the area consists of coppice woodland and pastureland. For your holiday, the town thus combines a distinctive high-altitude setting, a rural landscape and a historic townscape.

Landscape and medieval traces

Parts of Capizzi's historic centre preserve a medieval appearance. This includes paving and walls made of local stone. The Chiesa Madre has a Gothic portal dating from 1234 and was redesigned in the 19th century by Pietro Del Campo. Those interested in the development of sacred architecture can see different periods reflected directly in the local architectural forms.

Churches and art in Capizzi

The Santuario di San Giacomo Apostolo Maggiore was built by the Normans around the 12th century, extended in the 16th century and completed in 1780. Inside is the Madonna del Soccorso, made of white marble by Antonello Gagini and created in 1517.

The Museo di Arte Sacra Diocesano is located in the former rooms of the Confraternita del Santissimo Sacramento in the hypogeum of the Chiesa Madre San Nicolò. Access is available by prior appointment with the parish. The Chiesa Madre also has free, step-free access.

The Chiesa Sant'Antonio di Padova also bears witness to several building phases. It was rebuilt and decorated by the Russo family in 1751 and has a single-nave layout. At the same time, it preserves the original floor plan from 1629, constructed from local sandstone. Since 1 September 2011, a relic ex cute from the skull of Saint Anthony has been visibly preserved there in a niche beneath the statue of the saint; it was taken during the canonical examination of 1981.

The Palazzo Russo Larcan is an authentic 17th-century palace. Following the most recent restorations, decorations and secco paintings can be admired on the piano nobile, bearing witness to its former splendour.

Hiking and local festival culture

For hiking enthusiasts, a stage of the Cammino dei Briganti begins in Capizzi. It leads to the former field guards' barracks in Sambuchello belonging to the Azienda Speciale Silvo Pastorale di Troina. Capizzi's architectural and artistic highlights include the Chiesa Madre, the Santuario di San Giacomo Apostolo Maggiore and the Palazzo Russo Larcan. Mastazzolo is the traditional sweet served at the Feast of San Giacomo in Capizzi.

Further travel ideas

For further travel planning, you can also consider Salice, Ficarra, Militello Rosmarino, Rodi Milici, Santa Barbara, Acquacalda, Calvaruso and Castel Di Tusa.

For the higher-level travel overview: Messina.