Francavilla Greek City - A Walk Through History and Mythology

A walk through history and myth in the heart of the Alcantara Valley

Francavilla Greek City - A Walk Through History and Mythology is a cultural and re-enactment event held in Francavilla di Sicilia, a town in the Province of Messina, within the picturesque Alcantara Valley. Organized by the Pro Loco of Francavilla in collaboration with the Municipality and the "Chiddi da Vina" theater company, the event offers a themed route that invites locals and tourists to discover the village's Greek roots.

The ancient Kallipolis

Francavilla stands on a site inhabited since antiquity: ceramic evidence confirms the presence of a settlement of Chalcidian Greeks, who arrived from the colony of Naxos, traveling up the Alcantara Valley as early as the 7th century BC in search of fertile land. While the Greek city remains anonymous, scholars hypothesize it may be identified with the legendary Kallipolis, meaning "the beautiful city." The walking tour revolves around this ancient identity, designed to restore dignity and memory to a past known to few.

The route through the historic center

The itinerary winds through the streets and squares of the medieval historic center, featuring significant landmarks:

• Piazza Annunziata, the starting point, home to the Church of the SS. Annunziata and the Town Hall;
• the Church of the Carmine and Piazza Matrice;
• the "Chianu di Maccu" and the Karol Wojtyla Municipal Villa;
• the archaeological excavation area, where the Superintendency of Syracuse unearthed the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Demeter and Kore, deities linked to the earth and the cycle of life, between 1979 and 1984-1985;
• Palazzo Cagnone, home to the M.A.FRA Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from the excavation campaigns.

The myth comes to life

Along the way, actors and re-enactors in costume bring the narrative to life: the central theme is the myth of the abduction of Kore by Hades and the grief of Demeter, an ancient tale that explains the changing of the seasons. The stops are enriched by explanations from local experts, such as architect Sebastiano La Maestra and professor Gaetana La Maestra, who weave together historical facts and mythological charm.

A staple of the Francavilla summer

Now in its second edition as of 2025, the walk was created with the ambition of becoming a permanent fixture in the summer calendar of Francavilla di Sicilia. The Pro Loco has repeatedly expressed its intention to enrich it each year with new narrative content and offerings, showcasing an archaeological and landscape heritage that is otherwise rarely visited by the general public.