Cesarò is a high mountain village in Sicily’s Nebrodi Park, in the Messina area, set at 1,201 metres above sea level among oak and beech woods. Quiet, rural and closely tied to the rhythms of the surrounding forests, it has the character of an ancient borgo rather than a resort town, with a strong pastoral identity and a landscape of mountains, rocky heights and wide natural views.
Its name probably comes from the Greek *kerasos*, meaning cherry tree, a detail that hints at the older layers beneath its medieval appearance. The surrounding territory preserves prehistoric traces, while the first inhabited nucleus is linked to Greeks and Byzantines seeking refuge during the Arab period. In Norman times Cesarò emerged as a *casale*, later becoming a feudal centre connected with the Colonna family from around the 1300s.
What makes Cesarò distinctive is this combination of altitude, forested Nebrodi setting and layered memory: a mountain community where medieval, Norman and feudal identities are still bound to a deeply rural Sicilian landscape.
Patron Saint:
Saint Calogerus (San Calogero) – 18 June
Nearest Airport:
Catania (Fontanarossa) – (64 km, 01:11)
Neighboring Cities:
Alcara Li Fusi, Bronte, Capizzi, Caronia, Cerami, Longi, Maniace, Militello Rosmarino, San Fratello, San Teodoro, Troina
Attractions in Cesarò
Art and Architecture
Chiesa Madre di Maria SS. Assunta: This Baroque church houses a crucifix painted on wood, attributed by some scholars to the school of Giotto.
Palazzo Zito: This seventeenth-century palace has rooms decorated with frescoes, stuccowork and heraldic coats of arms.
Signore della Montagna: A seven-metre-high statue of Christ stands on Monte Pizzipiturro.
Castles
Castello di Cesarò: The castle survives as ruins on a rugged rocky outcrop in the highest part of the village. The Santa Caterina quarter developed around this stronghold.
Nature Sites
Parco dei Nebrodi: Cesarò’s surrounding parkland includes Turkey oak and beech woods, the lakes of Biviere and Maulazzo, and Monte Soro. At 1,847 metres, Monte Soro offers views towards the Tyrrhenian coast, the Aeolian Islands and Etna.
Things to Do in Cesarò
Traditional Events
Festa di San Calogero: The traditional celebration on 18 June includes a procession carrying the saint’s relics and statue, music and games in the square. A livestock fair precedes it on 17 June, and further celebrations take place on 21 August.
Sagra del Suino Nero e del Fungo Porcino dei Nebrodi: This October food festival celebrates Nebrodi black pig and porcini mushrooms, with local dishes featuring these ingredients.
Traditional Food
Local cheeses: Cheeses produced in the Cesarò area include provola, tuma, maiorchino and canestrato.
Traditional bread and sweets: Local baking includes bread cooked in wood-fired ovens and sweets made with pistachios, hazelnuts and almonds.
Practical Travel Information for Cesarò
Arriving by road from Palermo: Take the Palermo–Messina motorway to the Sant’Agata di Militello exit, then follow the SS289 towards San Fratello and Cesarò.