Bentornata Castania

A village coming back to life for one night

Bentornata Castania is a cultural event dedicated to rediscovering the ancient village of Castania, the original medieval settlement of the town of Castell'Umberto, located in the Nebrodi Mountains in the province of Messina, Sicily. The village, which developed around a Norman-era fortress and was abandoned between the 19th and 20th centuries due to landslides and natural disasters, is returned to the community for one night: its paths, stones, and panoramic views become the backdrop for a celebration that blends historical memory, art, and conviviality.

The history of Castania

The origins of Castania are shrouded in mystery: the name has been linked to various hypotheses, from Castrum Aenea, associated with the mythological figure of Aeneas, to the chestnut trees that cover the surrounding hills. Arab and Byzantine chronicles record the village as a strategic stronghold against Saracen raids and a spiritual site. Among the visible remnants are the ruins of the Torre Sollima, the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi, the churches of San Nicola and Santa Barbara, the old Oil Museum, and historic fountains. The enhancement initiative, born from the passion of local resident Tullio Scurria, is part of the Historical Memory Itinerary project of Castania.

An evening of tours, music, and photography

The evening's program guides visitors from sunset until late at night through several highlights:

• Guided tours through the alleys and monuments of the ancient center, discovering the stories, customs, and identity of the lost village;
• Live music in an exceptional setting, among the ruins and panoramas that embrace the Nebrodi valleys;
• DJ set late into the night, to keep the party going under the stars;
• Photography contest for those who want to capture the unique atmosphere of Castania.

A slow and authentic journey

More than just an event, Bentornata Castania is an invitation to slow travel: walking through stone houses, listening to the silence of the village and then the music that fills it, and rediscovering a forgotten heritage that tells centuries of Sicilian history. The open-air auditorium created from the ruins of the convent and the Dominican church hosts various cultural initiatives during the summer, from art exhibitions to meetings.

Castell'Umberto and the Nebrodi

The modern town of Castell'Umberto, rebuilt after the abandonment of Castania and named after the Crown Prince Umberto, stands in a panoramic position with views of the Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna. A visit to Bentornata Castania is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the province of Messina, far from mass tourism circuits, and to experience the hospitality and traditions of the Nebrodi villages.