Coordinates: 37°11′N 15°7′E / 37.183°N 15.117°E / 37.183; 15.117

Melilli

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Melilli
Comune di Melilli
File:Melilli-Panorama.jpg
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CountryItaly
RegionSicily
ProvinceProvince of Syracuse (SR)
FrazioniVillasmundo, Città Giardino, Marina di Melilli
Government
 • MayorGiuseppe Carta
Area
 • Total
136.42 km2 (52.67 sq mi)
Elevation
310 m (1,020 ft)
Population
 (30 November 2017)[1]
 • Total
13,533
 • Density99.201/km2 (256.93/sq mi)
DemonymMelillesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
96010
Dialing code0931
Patron saintSaint Sebastian
Saint day4 May
WebsiteOfficial website

Melilli (Sicilian: Miliḍḍi) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Syracuse, Sicily (southern Italy), located about 190 kilometres (120 mi) southeast of Palermo and about 20 kilometres (12 mi) northwestern of Syracuse.

Geography

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Melilli stands at about 310 metres (1,020 ft) above sea level close to the Monti Climiti chain, overlooking the Megara bay and the industrial district of Augusta-Priolo.

Melilli borders the following municipalities: Augusta, Carlentini, Priolo Gargallo, Syracuse, Sortino.

History

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The human presence in the area is attested since the Bronze Age. Its strategic situation between the major cities of Augusta and Syracuse has played a critical role in its growth. In the feudal age, it became a dominion of the Augusta County.

It managed to revive after two devastating quakes in 1542 and 1693. Since 1842 it has been an autonomous city.

Main sights

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The Chiesa Madre San Nicolò Vescovo (Mother Church of St Nicolas, Bishop of Myra), dedicated to Saint Nicholas, has a ceiling painted with the Triumph of the Faith by Olivo Sozzi.

The church of San Sebastiano, dating from the 18th century, houses various paintings by Sozzi, among which are a Coronation of Saint Sebastian and The Triumph of the Faith, and a marble altarpiece representing the Deposition of St. Bartholomew.

The church of Sant'Antonio Abate has bronze bas-reliefs on the portal by Domenico Girbino.

Nature

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The River Marcellino, flowing nearby, offers naturalistic spots and an old necropolis. The neighboring salt-mines of Augusta were an important economic resource as far as the end of World War II.

Economy

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Culture

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Feasts in the town include:

  • Carnival
  • Christ's nativity representation (during Christmas)
  • Holy week
  • Feast of Saint Sebastian - 4 May (Patron Saint of the town)

Twin Town

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References

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  1. ^ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.
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