Melilli
# Melilli

Melilli (Sicilian: Miliddi) 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

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

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.

## Culture

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 towns

* Middletown, Connecticut, USA
