In Italy there are cities that have unique features to discover such as the hexagonal city of Grammichele in Sicily. The curious feature of this small town in the province of Catania consists in its unique shape that is hexagonal.
This is famous all over the world and is particularly appreciated by fans of aerial photography. Here you can find out what this place is and where it is located. You will also learn about the history of this Sicilian city.Finally you will also discover what you can see during your trip to discover the beautiful hexagonal city of Grammichele.
What is and where is the hexagonal city of Grammichele?
The hexagonal city of Grammichele is a town of about 15 thousand inhabitants located in the south east of Sicily in Val di Noto, just over 10 kilometers away from Caltagirone.
Its hexagonal plan is famous all over the world and its beauty is evident from the shooting areas that allow you to grasp the perfection of its geometry similar to a spider web.The perimeter of the city consists of a hexagon in the center of which is the square which also has a hexagonal shape with closed corners.
From here start five arteries that wind around the square. From here there are six other arteries perpendicular to the first that are placed in six square rectangular. You should know that this together with the city of Palmanova is one of the rare examples of rational architecture that you can find in Italy.
The hexagonal city of Grammichele: its history
On 11 January 1693 a terrible earthquake destroyed many towns in the Val di Noto in Sicily. One of these was the ancient village of Occhiolà where now stands the hexagonal city of Grammichele.
In fact, you should know that the town was rebuilt two kilometers away at the behest of PrincipeCarlo Maria Carafa and architect Fra Michele da Ferla. The revolutionary project consisted in creating a city with a hexagonal plan. The foundation stone was laid in April 1693 to provide shelter for survivors of the devastating earthquake that hit these territories.
From here came to life the current hexagonal city of Grammichel a splendid example of rational Italian architecture. The old town of Occhiolà was in a particularly strategic position and dominated the entire valley from Etna to Caltagirone.
What to see in the hexagonal city of Grammichele?
The urban plan has remained intact over the centuries and it is still possible to admire it today. But that’s not all, in fact there are many monuments and places of the hexagonal city of Grammichele to visit. One of these is the sumptuous town hall built in 1800.
Here there is the Civic Museum inside which are exposed numerous archaeological finds that are the testimony of the ancient history of this territory and the city of Occhiolà, the ancient Grammichele. You should know that here is preserved the original slate table where Michele da Ferla engraved the plan of this innovative city.
At the center of the square is a large sundial that indicates the date and time. The main square is dedicated to the founder of the city and in fact here is also the statue dedicated to him. Also here stands the Chiesa Madre and other historic buildings of this small Sicilian town. Walking through the streets of Grammichele you will discover its particular characteristic and you will be enchanted by its beauty.
Copertina: valdinoto
