Nature
Why choose San Salvatore
"Supra la costa di un ariusu munti
c'è lu paisi du Sarvaturi
isuli e mari si trova di frunti
e 'n'nta la valli a sciumara d'amur..."
(Francesco Rizzo)
"(On the coast of an airy mountain
Sits the village of Salvatore
Islands and sea spread before her
Islands and sea spread before her..."
The text of this poem, written by Francesco Rizzo from San Salvatore di Fitalia,
clearly describes what every visitor sees when arriving at the foot
of the mountain, at the point where the two rivers join and where the
Fitalia valley begins. One immediately notes the simple, harmonious
beauty of the small town with its houses sinking in to the crest of
the hill, as if lying down in snug repose on the luxuriant green cushion
of nature.
The tranquillity of the town is reflected in the character of its inhabitants,
a serene, jovial and hospitable lot.
It is a town where the principle squares provide a meeting point for the residents.
Some hide small but wide stretches of road between the houses, charming,
welcoming corners that act as open-air communal living areas. Others
open like terraces looking over the valley of Fitalia and the blue
of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Side streets weave around the houses through colonnades before finding their
way to the old town centre and the main thoroughfares. One hears the
shouts of children playing in nearby streets echoing around, mixed
with their parents' rebukes or the gentle warnings of elderly bystanders
who are happy to surround themselves the vivacity of the young and
recount them of times past.
Direct and sincere contact between the residents gives the place a human touch
and the relaxed atmosphere absorbs modern technology easily, thus making
for a community that is in touch with the contemporary world.
San Salvatore di Fitalia is the perfect place for spending a holiday divided
between sea and mountains.
The heart of the Nebrodi Park is just a stone's throw away from the town and
for those who are looking for tranquillity and general well-being,
this is the place!
The SS115, a main road, links the centre of town with the Tyrrhenian coast.
A sunny morning by the sea in Capo d’Orlando (just 20 minutes away) can easily
be followed by a walk or bike ride in the hazel
wood of "Vina" or "Puzzo",
a real immersion in uncontaminated nature.
During these excursions one can stop for a refreshing drink from one of the many
clear water springs and take a nap under the
trees. Continuing on your way, you will be
glad of the opportunity to walk off some truly excellent
"Fitalese" dinners.
So many excursions are possible, including trips to Duruso or Dovera, two uninhabited
but charming hamlets, the Torre del Capitano,
the last existing watch tower, the villages
of Bufana, Scrisera, Santa Maria Cuma and Santa
Lucia...
Nature beckons from all sides and you will be wonderfully surprised by the beauty
of the surrounding hills that stir so much emotion:
Rocca Pietra Giuda...
"...You indeed are the valley
of all our smiling townsfolk.
Unchallenged you reign sovereign
over the rivers, the roads and the chiarini..."
The rock that emerges at the top of the mountain unites an entrancing panorama
with the charm of the legend and memory of a Jewish presence here.
The "unchallenged lady of the valley", also offers an enchanting panorama: to
the north the amethyst gems of the Aeolian
Islands emerging from the sea, patiently awaiting
a last caress from the warm setting sun while
to the south-east another mountain rises majestically
above the green of the Nebrodi - Mount Etna,
still snow-capped and smoking, awaiting
the moon.
It is a panorama of extraordinary beauty, difficult to describe in words, but
which is even more delightful for the intense fragrances of broom,
oak, chestnut and hazel trees and wild flowers.
No matter what the season, it is hard to not be moved by this territory and those
who visit remain strangely attached to it. Meanwhile the area of Fitalia
continues to grow fruit, as it has done since Greek times, and worship
its patron saint, San Calogero.
