Mistretta is an ancient village rich in beautiful ancient churches and interesting museums.
The first settlement of Mistretta was founded by Phoenicians. Later the village was completely destroyed by Romans who conquered the whole area when they defeated Carthaginians in the First Punic War. In 1101, the village was colonised by Norman who created part of the current old town centre. The most important holy places of the village are:
the Mother Church of St Lucy, built in the 12th century; the Church of St. Sebastian, erected in the 16th century; the Church St. Francis, built in the 16th century; the Church of St. Catherine, erected in the 15th century.
Mistretta also includes four interesting museums such as the Civic Museum, located in Palazzo Mastro Giovanni Tasta, has an historical, artistic and archaeological section; the Regional Museum of Local Traditions “G. Cocchiara” contains a collection of ancient art and craft objects which explains the customs and traditions of the village; the Fauna Museum hosts the treasures of the Nebrodi Park, including the important scientific research activities developed in the area and its rare species; the Diocesan Museum contains vestments, paintings, sculptures, and precious mosaics collected in the ancient Churches of the village.
People live here:
4.822
Attractions:
Sagra ru cuddurune, food festival
Sagra della Salsiccia, food festival
Raduno Internazionale del Folklore, typical festival
How to get there:
By Car:
From Messina and Palermo
Get on A20 Messina-Palermo, exit S.Stefano di Camastra. Take SS117, exit Mistretta
From Catania
Get ok A19 Catania-Palermo, exit Agira-Nicosia. Take SS117, exit Mistretta
By Train:
The railway station is Santo Stefano di Camastra-Mistretta
Accommodations:
Villa Nives 3*
B&B Heart of Sicily
6, Via Prillo, 98073 Mistretta ME
Mobile: 0039 339 210 6375
La Carretteria apartments
Restaurants:
Pizzeria Da Luigi
Via Libertà, 138, Mistretta ME
Ph. 0039 0921 381451
Il Giardino d’Inverno
http://giardinverno.altervista.org/
Beaches:
Marina di Caronia
Canneto
Castel di Tusa