THEcitizen of Militello in Val di Catania has conquered the title of “Borgo dei Borghi 2025 ″the prestigious recognition assigned by the transmission of Rai3 “Kilimangiaro”. The Sicilian country, already part of the association of the most beautiful villages in Italy e Posted in the UNESCO Heritage Baroque Associationhas overcome the competition of other nineteen splendid Italian countries, distinguishing itself for its historical, artistic and landscape value.
Militello in Val di Catania is the “Borgo dei Borghi” 2025
Italy, we know, is dotted with wonderful places, which tell centuries of local traditions and identities. From the Tuscan hills to the Sicilian coasts, passing through the alpine valleys and the hinterland of the Souththese centers represent an invaluable heritage, because they keep architectural treasures, breathtaking landscapes and an authentic quality of life, linked to the slow rhythms and the beauty of the territory. Much less known than the big cities of art, these small villages deserve to be discovered. Initiatives such as “The Borgo dei Borghi” do nothing but this: Enhance some of these jewelsattracting visitors and new development opportunities.
A victory that rewards culture and territory
The town and its mayorGiovanni Burtone, expressed great enthusiasm for the victory, calling it “an extraordinary recognition that rewards years of work». Militello, in fact, has focused on the enhancement of his historical heritage, from the cascades of the Oxena to the Baroque neighborhoods, betting on culture as a development engine. And, thanks to the visibility guaranteed by the competition, the village is preparing to welcome tourists, curious and investors, encouraging Cultural tourism and the creation of new activities related to receptivity and services.
Ninfa Zizza fountain in Militello in Val di Catania, Sicily (Getty)
“Borgo dei Borghi”, which are the others
Militello got the better of 19 other Italian villages, chosen for their beauty, history and quality of life. The ranking has inserted enchanting centers All evaluated by a jury made up of experts from the cultural and landscape sector. From the twentieth to the first are:
- 20 NusValle d’Aosta;
- 19 Deiva MarinaLiguria;
- 18 San GeminiUmbria;
- 17 AgnoneMolise;
- 16 SirolMarche;
- 15 WingTrentino Alto Adige;
- 14 ScarperiaTuscany;
- 13 QuillsAbruzzo;
- 12 Montalbano JonicoBasilicata;
- 11 Corenno PlinyLombardy;
- 10 MontechiarugoloEmilia Romagna;
- 9 BuggerruSardinia;
- 8 GradeFriuli Venezia Giulia;
- 7 IschitellaPuglia;
- 6 LaziseVeneto;
- 5 MaioriCampania;
- 4 AietaCalabria;
- 3 VignanelloLazio;
- 2 ToPiedmont;
- 1 Militello Val di CataniaSicily.
Art and History: Militello’s heart
Militello is a place where time seems to have stopped. The streets of the village tell a story made of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque influences, visible in the churches, noble buildings and works of art that enrich its historic center. Among the most precious jewels are the altarpiece of the Nativity of Andrea della Robbia, a bas -relief by Francesco Laurana and a retablum, another altarpiece of Antonello da Messina, as well as numerous frescoes and sculptures of great value. The Borgo retains twenty churches, abbeys and conventswhich testify to his profound religious and cultural tradition. The monumental complex of Santa Maria La Vetere, with the Ecomuseum Valle del Loddiero, represents one of the most important historical testimonies of the country, with a collection of finds that tell the life and transformations of the territory over the centuries.
The natural beauty: the cascades of the oxena
In addition to its historical and artistic heritage, Militello is also surrounded by natural wonders. The Oxena waterfallslocated in the surroundings of the village, offer a suggestive show, with water games that break on the rocks and create landscapes of extraordinary beauty. These places represent an attraction for hikers and nature lovers, who find in Militello a perfect balance between culture and uncontaminated landscapes. But, Militello, it is also a Center of traditions, events and folklorewith religious holidays and celebrations that still make his identity alive. The influence of Sicilian culture is visible in local gastronomies, in popular stories and in the artisan shops that keep the techniques of the past alive.
Sicily dominates the competition
Militello’s victory this year, confirms The attractiveness of the Sicilian villagesalready protagonists in the past of victories with Sambuca di Sicilia, Montalbano Elicona, GangiAnd Castroreal Sicily, therefore, continues to emerge as one of the regions with the largest number of villages of extraordinary interest, custodians of a unparalleled cultural and natural heritage.
A heritage to be preserved and enhanced
Today, the rediscovery of villages is not just a tourist phenomenon. Invest in their protection, promotion and sustainability, It means preserving an invaluable heritage, avoiding that these places are released or are forgotten. Each initiative that highlights wealth, is a step forward to keep their legacy alive and project it into the future. The little villages areIn short, The heart of Italian history, preserving them means protecting a fundamental piece of the soul of the country.
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