Gaggi is a small village in Sicily’s green Alcantara Valley, set largely on the plain to the left of the Alcantara River and often described as the “Gateway to the Alcantara.” Its surroundings are rural and fertile, with citrus groves, vineyards, olive trees and apricot trees, while the nearby lava-formed landscape and the northern side of Etna give the area a distinctive volcanic backdrop.
The village has roots that reach back to the Saracen period, and its name is said to derive from the Arabic *Kaligi*, meaning a rivulet or water channel; it was once written as “Kaggi.” In the Middle Ages it was tied to Taormina, appearing in a 1071 diploma of Count Roger of Hauteville, and later passed through Norman, Swabian, Spanish and feudal phases.
Today Gaggi keeps the character of a quiet agricultural borgo, with a strong memory of noble and rural Sicily, local lava-stone craftsmanship and traditions linked to devotion and the land. Its distinctiveness lies in this mix of Arab-rooted origins, long Taormina connections and a landscape shaped by the Alcantara River and Etna’s volcanic presence.
Patron Saint:
Saint Sebastian (San Sebastiano) – 20 January
Nearest Airport:
Catania (Fontanarossa) – (80 km, 01:01)
Neighboring Cities:
Castelmola, Castiglione di Sicilia, Graniti, Mongiuffi Melia, Taormina
Attractions in Gaggi
Art and Architecture
Borgo Cavallaro: Gaggi’s oldest quarter occupies a hillside, with narrow streets paved in lava stone and traditional stone houses. Its surviving historic buildings include the Palazzo del Marchese di Schisò and the former marquis’s storehouse, alongside remnants of the baronial palace and old prison.
Chiesa Madre di Maria SS. Annunziata: Standing above Borgo Cavallaro, the mother church has a façade framed by pilasters incorporating local lava stone and pink marble from Taormina.
Chiesa di San Giuseppe Operaio: Built in the twentieth century with the support of the local community, this church stands in the town’s central square. It houses a statue of San Sebastiano.
Chiesa di San Sebastiano: Dating from 1576, this is Gaggi’s oldest church. It stands a short distance from the Chiesa di San Giuseppe Operaio.
Things to Do in Gaggi
Traditional Events
Carnevale: Gaggi’s Carnival celebrations feature costumed groups parading through the streets, accompanied by music.
Settimana Santa: Holy Week traditions include the blessing of olive branches in Piazzetta Santa Rita on Palm Sunday, followed by a procession. Good Friday brings a Via Crucis through the town, while Easter is marked by the Saturday-night vigil.
Festa di Santa Rita: Celebrated in May, the feast includes a blessing of roses after Mass and a procession through Gaggi. Local devotion also includes a sequence of fifteen Thursdays dedicated to Santa Rita.
Festa di San Sebastiano: Traditionally held on the second Sunday of August, the celebration includes an evening procession carrying the saint’s statue through the streets, followed by fireworks.
Alcantara Kermesse: This traditional food festival is associated with Gaggi’s August celebrations.
Sagra degli Agrumi: This food festival focuses on citrus fruit, one of Gaggi’s characteristic agricultural products.
Traditional Food
Local Citrus Fruit: Gaggi’s produce includes summer verdello lemons and Valencia oranges, which ripen in May.
Salsiccia al Ceppo: This sausage is among Gaggi’s traditional meat products, alongside locally made artisan cheeses and wines.
Places to Visit Near Gaggi
Gole dell’Alcantara: Near Gaggi, the Alcantara river runs through a natural canyon in volcanic rock. The gorge’s basalt walls make it a distinctive excursion destination in the Alcantara valley.
Practical Travel Information for Gaggi
Arriving by Car: From Catania, take the A18 towards Messina and leave at Giardini Naxos. Continue along the SS185 towards Trappitello and Gaggi.
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest station is Taormina–Giardini Naxos.