Monterosso Almo is a small hill village in the Monti Iblei, in the province of Ragusa, set at 691 metres above sea level and considered the highest municipality in the province. Its position on the Iblei mountain chain gives it a panoramic, inland character, surrounded by woods, valleys, streams and quieter natural landscapes suited to slow travel.
The village has very ancient roots, with evidence in its territory reaching back to prehistoric and early ancient periods, while its medieval identity is reflected in names such as Casal Lupino, Mons Rubens and Monte Ioalmo. In 1168 the settlement was donated to the Church of Syracuse by Goffredo, son of Count Ruggero of Ragusa, and in 1338 the name Mons Rubens was used in connection with Count Enrico Rosso.
Much of Monterosso Almo’s present form comes from the rebuilding that followed the destructive earthquake of 1693, when the town was reconstructed higher up with a Baroque urban layout. Quiet and outside Sicily’s busiest routes, it is distinctive for the way its mountain setting, deep historical layers and post-earthquake identity still define the village today.
Patron Saint:
Our Lady of Sorrows (Maria SS. Addolorata) – 1st Sunday in September
Nearest Airport:
Comiso (Pio La Torre) – (35 km, 00:40)
Neighboring Cities:
