Between the Etna volcano and the Nebrodi Mountains

The very first stop is the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, a wonderful medieval church built in the early 13th century and rebuilt several times. Look at its severe, but graced by hanging arches; the facade and the bell tower were reconstructed during the 19th century, while to the left, the portal is probably dated to the 16th century. On the right, you can admire the splendid 15th century Gothic-catalan portal, with ogival arches, bears a little marble Madonna of the Pisa school in the lunette. Inside the church you can find a nave and two aisles, divided by lavastone columns dating from the original building, while the transept and cupola are 18th century additions. Paintings are by various artist, during the centuries. Randazzo was saved from the volcano eruption by the intercession of the Virgin Mary in the 16th century, and was not destroyed by other calamities. This is the reason why you can have a great view of the town at the medieval and late medieval times. Behind the hight altar, decorated with variegated and inlaid marble, is a 13th Madonna Enthroned and Child, in a Byzantine style. Very precious is the Treasury of the church, which contains valuable objects of gold, silver and enamel. And now, walk down, going to Archeological Museum Vagliasindi.

"Paolo Vagliasindi" Archeological Museum housed in the fortification of the Prison of the medieval Castle, and collects the artifacts found in the Saint Anastasia district in Randazzo by the archeologist Paolo Vagliasindi. The collection is one of the most important in Sicily, housing important pieces coming from the very first contact between the local people and the colonists, and precious vases coming from the most important Corinthian and Attic production.

You can not go around Mount Etna without tasting its incredible wines! So, my suggestion is to have a tasting tour with a lunch, in this piece of Paradise, on the slope of the volcano! You will visit the vineyards, the cellar and the barrique cellar and their winemaker will also be there while you taste wines from different district! Three hours discovering the history of the family and this vineyard, and tasting local foods together with their prized wines!

After your fantastic lunch, take your time driving between the slopes of Mount Etna and the Nebrodi Mountains: you will cross incredible panoramas, and reach an incredible naturalistic places, in the hearth of the Nebrodi park: the Lake Biviere!

Returning from the Lake, I suggest a little stop and walking tour in Cesarò, 1.150 meters on the sea, at the very beginning of the Nebrodi Mountains. In the upper part of the town there are the few remains of the Castle of the Colonna family, which became its overlords in 1334. The Chiesa Madre clearly shows the alterations it underwent in the baroque age. The Hight altitude make it possible to enjoy splendid views over the surrounding countryside and towards Etna, especially going up to the Lord of the Mountain sculpure. Here you can also taste very good pistachio pastries and arancini or ricotta sweets.