Capri Leone is a small historic village in the Nebrodi Mountains of northern Sicily, near Mirto and Rocca di Capri Leone. Set around 400 metres above sea level, it lies in green upland surroundings while looking out toward the Tyrrhenian coast, with the Aeolian Islands — including Salina, Alicudi and Filicudi — visible in the distance.
The town’s identity reaches back to documented Norman-era origins and a long feudal history tied to noble families, including the Filangeri. Its name has also shifted over time: forms such as Duae Crapiae, Crapisusu, Castel di Capri and Capri preceded the present Capri Leone, adopted on 13 November 1862. The addition of “Leone” is linked to the courage attributed to local inhabitants during disorders in nearby Mirto in the period of Italian unification.
Today Capri Leone remains defined by its mountain setting, close community traditions and an unusually strong devotion to Emperor Constantine as patron. Between its Nebrodi landscape, sea-facing outlook and layered name history, it stands out as a small Sicilian borgo where local memory is tied as much to civic pride as to religious identity.
Patron Saint:
Saint Constantine (San Costantino) – last Saturday in July
Nearest Airport:
Catania (Fontanarossa) – (122 km, 02:18)
Neighboring Cities:
Capo d’Orlando, Frazzanò, Mirto, San Marco d’Alunzio, Torrenova
Attractions in Capri Leone
Art and Architecture
Chiesa di Maria Santissima Annunziata: Also known locally as the chiesa del convento, this church has a fifteenth-century bell tower. Inside is a marble statue of the Virgin attributed to Antonello Gagini.
Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate: In the upper part of the village, this small church has an entrance portal made from San Marco marble. It houses a seventeenth-century wooden statue of Sant’Antonio Abate.
Chiesa di San Costantino: This seventeenth-century church contains a floor of Sicilian ceramic tiles and a painting depicting Emperor Constantine receiving baptism from Pope Sylvester. The painting is attributed to Giuseppe Tomasi da Tortorici, while the statue of San Costantino dates from between the late sixteenth and the first half of the seventeenth century.
Fontana di Piazza dei Leoni: The fifteenth-century fountain in Piazza dei Leoni features two lions. The lioness is carved from pink San Marco marble.
Fontana di contrada Pagaria: Just outside the village, this fountain and washhouse has a wall artwork depicting the bust of Athena as its backdrop. The artwork is by Peruvian artist Carlos Atoche.
Nature Sites
Parco Peppino Grasso: In Rocca di Capri Leone, this public park provides green open space within the settlement. It is named in memory of a former mayor.
Things to Do in Capri Leone
Traditional Events
Carnevale: Carnival celebrations include children’s fancy-dress parties, music in the square and a competition for costumed groups. A communal sausage meal, known as a salsicciata, also forms part of the festivities.
La Vetrina dei Nebrodi: Held in July, this event brings together music, culture, local traditions, food and performances, with participation from neighbouring municipalities.
Festa di San Costantino: Celebrated on 27 July, the feast includes a procession carrying the statue of San Costantino through the village streets.
Festa di Maria SS. Annunziata: This religious celebration takes place on the last Sunday of July. After Mass, the statue of the Annunziata is carried in procession on an ornate fercolo, or processional platform.
Christmas traditions: Local Christmas celebrations include neighbourhood nativity scenes, bagpipers and the traditional ‘u zuccu di Natale bonfire.
Traditional Food
Nebrodi cheeses and cured meats: Cheeses and salumi from the Nebrodi area feature among the traditional foods associated with Capri Leone.
Practical Travel Information for Capri Leone
Getting There by Car: From Messina, take the A20 towards Palermo. From Catania, follow the A18 towards Messina and then the A20 towards Palermo, leaving at the Capri Leone exit.