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

Geography

Melilli stands at about 310 m 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

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

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

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

Culture

Feasts in the town include:

Twin towns