Altavilla Milicia between Sanctuary and Coast

Altavilla Milicia combines sacred culture with a distinctive coastal landscape. The Basilica Santuario Madonna della Milicia stands at the entrance to Altavilla Milicia on the belvedere. This provides you with a tangible cultural point of reference, while the character of the coastal area can be seen in its beach and cliffs.

Sacred Art and Religious Testimonies

The Basilica Santuario Madonna della Milicia houses a statue of Saint Francis of Paola by Bagnasco, as well as four paintings by the same artist: the Baptism of Jesus, the Raising of Lazarus, the Sacrifice of Abraham and the Last Supper. The Museo ex-voto preserves 400 painted votive offerings dating from the early 19th century to the present day. Visiting the Museo ex-voto requires registration through the sanctuary's secretariat.

The painted votive offerings are mostly made of tin from sardine cans and were created by Sicilian cart painters who worked in the Palermo area. As a result, Altavilla Milicia is home not only to sacred spaces but also to a distinctive form of folk pictorial art. The connection between religious practice, painting and regional craftsmanship can be traced particularly clearly at these two sites.

Norman-Arab History

The Chiesa Santa Maria di Campogrosso is an 11th-century religious building that now stands in ruins within the municipality of Altavilla Milicia on Sicily's northern coast. It is considered one of Sicily's earliest Norman-Arab buildings and a rare testimony to the presence of the Basilian monks in eastern Sicily. For visitors interested in cultural history, the ruin complements the sacred art of the Basilica with a significantly older architectural monument.

Coast, Beach and Cliffs

The coastal area of Altavilla Milicia includes a long, straight beach with soft, light-colored sand. There are cliffs at the Torri Colonna and Mandre, which lie offshore. The nearby Spiaggia Majestic is also a beach; Spiaggia Aspra is likewise a beach in the vicinity of Altavilla Milicia. Anyone looking for different landscape impressions by the sea will find a clear contrast here between light-colored sand and rocky stretches of coast.

Festa Milicia on September 8

At the Festa Milicia in Altavilla Milicia, the Condotta dei doni takes place on September 8 after the solemn Eucharistic celebration. During the procession, the faithful carry candles, torches, life-size wax replicas of body parts, children's figures and silver objects. The festival makes the town's religious tradition tangible as a public event as well.

Other Destinations in the Area

The Castello di Solanto, a castle, is located near Altavilla Milicia. The area also includes Villa Spedalotto and Villa Trabia, both palaces, as well as the Museo del Giocattolo e delle Cere Pietro Piraino. Also nearby are Parco Monte Catalfano, a zoo, and the Cappelletta di Santa Rosalia, a viewpoint. When planning your trip, you can combine sacred art, historic buildings, the coast and other day-trip destinations according to your own interests.

More Destinations

More destinations: Masseria D'amari, Giardinello, Gratteri, Monreale, Gangi, Bisacquino, Palermo, Polizzi Generosa

To the higher-level travel overview: Palermo.