Monterosso Almo: Baroque, History and Local Cuisine

Monterosso Almo combines sacred architecture, early settlement history, natural landscapes and local cuisine. Festivals, traditional crafts and local specialties then guide the focus from history to local traditions.

Baroque, Neo-Gothic and Historical Insights

The interior of the Basilica San Giovanni Battista has three naves and is decorated with marble altars, frescoes and typical Baroque ornamentation. At the same time, the basilica is an elegant example of Sicilian Baroque and is known for its solar alignment, through which the saint is illuminated on June 24.

The Chiesa Madre Maria SS. Assunta was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style after the 1693 earthquake. In the Palazzo Cocuzza, the town museum preserves archaeological finds from Monte Casasia. The Casa Museo di Suor Rosa Roccuzzo tells the story of the life and work of the nun who was born in this house and lived there during the early years of the 20th century; at the same time, it offers an insight into Sicily at that time. The two buildings emphasize different aspects: the finds from Monte Casasia are the focus at the Palazzo Cocuzza, while the Casa Museo focuses on the life story of Suor Rosa Roccuzzo.

Monte Casasia and the Canalazzo

The settlement and necropolis of Monte Casasia form a fortified hilltop settlement of Siculian origin. It was already in use at the beginning of the Iron Age, in the 10th–9th century BC, and flourished particularly in the 7th–6th century BC.

The necropolis of Monte Casasia is located in the Parco Forestale Canalazzo, an area of natural and archaeological interest within the municipality of Monterosso Almo, also known as Parco Canalazzo or Bosco di Canalazzo.

Festivals and Local Specialties

The Festa di San Giovanni is celebrated in Monterosso Almo on the first Sunday in September. It includes two processions; the simulacrum of the saint is carried on the shoulders on a “vara.” If you would like to include this festival in your travel plans, the first Sunday in September is the relevant date. In terms of travel timing, this means a date in early autumn, while the Presepe Vivente takes place during the days between Christmas and Epiphany.

The Presepe Vivente is associated with the period from December 25 to January 6 and the streets of the Quartiere Matrice; traditional crafts are reenacted there. The Sagra dei Cavatieddi is held annually in Piazza Sant’Antonio; visitors can try Cavatieddi al sugo and other typical specialties.

Monterosso Almo’s local bread culture includes hard-dough bread and “u scacciuni.” When warm, “u scacciuni” is seasoned with oil, oregano and “cappuliatu” made from sun-dried tomatoes. Local almond sweets include “i marmarati” and “i maretti”; “i maretti” are made exclusively from almonds. In this way, the culinary selection ranges from a warm bread specialty to sweets with a distinct connection to almonds.

More destinations for orientation

Acate, Cerasella, Comiso, Camemi, Eredità, Cava D'aliga, Modica and Chiaramonte Gulfi

To the higher-level travel overview: Ragusa.