Capizzi: Sacred Art and Mountain Landscapes in the Nebrodi

Capizzi lies 1,130 metres above sea level in the southern part of the Nebrodi, on a hill at the foot of Monte Averna. The town combines this high-altitude landscape with a distinctive cultural and historical heritage. Parts of Capizzi’s historic centre retain a medieval appearance, with paving and walls made of local stone. Discover Capizzi’s churches and sacred art; a stage of the Cammino dei Briganti also starts in the town.

Sacred Architecture and Art from Different Periods

The Santuario di San Giacomo Apostolo Maggiore has a long architectural history: the Normans built it around the 12th century, it was expanded in the 16th century, and it was completed in 1780. The sanctuary also houses the Madonna del Soccorso, a white marble sculpture created in 1517 by Antonello Gagini. Here, the building and artwork bring together different historical periods.

The Chiesa Madre also reflects different periods. Its Gothic portal dates from 1234; in the 19th century, Pietro Del Campo redesigned the church. The Chiesa Sant'Antonio di Padova retains its original layout from 1629, built in local sandstone. In 1751, the Russo family had the church rebuilt and decorated. Its single-nave layout gives the interior a clear form.

A distinctive devotional story is also associated with the Chiesa Sant'Antonio di Padova: since 1 September 2011, an ex cute relic from the skull of Saint Anthony has been kept on public display there, in a niche beneath the statue of the saint. It was removed during the canonical examination of 1981.

Insights into Art and Local Tradition

The Museo di Arte Sacra Diocesano is housed in the former premises of the Confraternita del Santissimo Sacramento, in the hypogeum of the Chiesa Madre San Nicolò. Access to the museum requires booking in advance with the parish, so arrange your visit beforehand.

In Palazzo Russo Larcan, an authentic 17th-century palace, visitors can admire decorations and frescoes painted on dry plaster in the piano nobile following recent restoration work. The paintings are testament to the house’s former splendour. A culinary tradition is also part of Capizzi’s cultural heritage: Mastazzolo is the traditional sweet served at the Feast of San Giacomo.

Landscape and Hiking Stage

Much of Capizzi’s territory consists of woodland and pastureland. A stage of the Cammino dei Briganti starts in Capizzi and leads to the former barracks of the field guards of the Azienda Speciale Silvo Pastorale di Troina in Sambuchello.

Those who want to focus more on architectural history can explore the churches and the palazzo; those who want to include the landscape can follow the hiking stage described above.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Itala, Monforte Marina, Rodi Milici, Canneto, Montagnareale, Rocca di Capri Leone, San Paolo, Gioiosa Marea.

For the broader travel overview: Messina.