Basicò between Palazzo, festivals and mountain landscape

Basicò reveals its character

Basicò reveals its character in several specific places and cultural traditions. The Palazzo Baronale De Maria, the Chiesa S. Francesco di Assisi, historic traces in Contrada Fontana Fondaco and the local festivals give you different starting points for planning a trip.

Historic building with cultural venues today

The Palazzo Baronale De Maria is a building of medieval origin with an inner Baglio courtyard, which was created to protect the servants’ quarters, warehouses and stables. Today, the palazzo houses the municipal library, an art gallery, the Museum of Traditions and the photo exhibition “Basicò yesterday, today and tomorrow”. The De Maria family acquired the Palazzo Baronale De Maria in 1766. The acquisition in 1766 adds a specific stage in the building’s history to its medieval origins. This makes it possible to view medieval origins, family history and present-day cultural institutions together in a single building.

Ecclesiastical evidence and historic traces

The Chiesa S. Francesco di Assisi houses a parish museum and the Simulario di Maria SS. di Basibò. During Norman rule, the Poor Clare convent of Santa Maria di Basicò was built in Basicò by royal order. Traces of Roman-Byzantine walls have been preserved in Contrada Fontana Fondaco. These three specific places offer different perspectives on Basicò through time, from Roman-Byzantine wall remains and Norman rule to ecclesiastical collections.

Patron saint’s procession and Sagra della Provola Basicotana

During the patron saint’s procession of the Festa Patronale SS. Maria di Basicò, the simulacrum of Maria SS. di Basicò is carried on three long carrying beams by 24 bearers. During the patron saint’s procession of the Festa Patronale SS. Maria di Basicò, the individual quarters decorate the inner lanes for the passage of the Vara. Another regular date is the Sagra della Provola Basicotana, which takes place annually on 19 August. At the festival, visitors can taste Provola cheese and attend evening dance events in the square.

Mountain landscape, crafts and local specialities

Basicò is located in a mountain landscape with numerous hazelnut groves, chestnut trees and oaks. Numerous fountains and watering troughs shape the streets and squares of the town. Basicò preserves local craft traditions in ironworking and embroidery. In addition, statues of San Biagio and San Pasquale Baylon dating from the 16th century are kept in Basicò. In Basicò, craft traditions in ironworking and embroidery complement the character of the mountain landscape.

Practical information about the Palazzo

The Palazzo Baronale De Maria is accessible via a disabled access ramp from Via Castello 1 or directly via the access road at Salita Don Bosco.

More destinations for planning your trip

Taormina, Mirto, Giardini Naxos, Brolo, Barcellona Pozzo Di Gotto, San Marco D'alunzio, Floresta, Gaggi

For the higher-level travel overview: Messina.