Grammichele

Grammichele is a medieval tiny village located in the charming province of Catania.

The village of Grammichele was founded by Prince Carlo Maria Branciforti who rebuilt the old town centre with a particular hexagonal plan after it was completely destroyed by the 1693 earthquake of Val di Noto. The most important monuments of the village are the Mother Church, built in 1724; the Church of Madonna del Piano which has one nave including impressive frescos made by Vaccaro; the Necropoli of Casa Cantoniera, discovered by Paolo Orsi in 1827, displays a collection of findings dating back to the 12th and 5th century BC; the Archaeological Area of Occhiolà, established in 1997, shows the ruins of the ancient village destroyed by the 1693 earthquake.

People live here:

13.404

Attractions:

Festa della Madonna del Piano (6-/8/09) Live Nativity at Parco Archeologico di Occhiolà(9/12 to 6/01)

How to get there:

By Car:

Get on A18 Messina -Catania. Take SS 417 Catania-Gela, exit Grammichele.

Accommodations:

Hotel Valle Verde

http://www.valleverde.biz

Country House Villa D’Andrea 4*

http://www.casadandrea.it