When I travel I like to explore the smaller towns and villages and Linguaglossa totally fits the bill. The town got its name from the lava stream it was founded on, literally ‘red tongue’, in the 16th century. Here is one of the piazzas with the town hall on the right, and the Chiesa S. Francesco di Paola with its single remaining bell tower on the left.

Click to see the baroque splendour of the chiesa.

The town has a relaxed and friendly feel.

Lots of murals were tucked away in the back streets.

We met a lovely lady in the information centre. Her English was about as good as my Italian but we managed to find out that this painted wagon was originally used to transport timber down from the mountains.

The jewel in Linguaglossa’s crown is the Chiesa  Madre Madonna Delle Grazie (Madonna of the Miracles) which they started building in 1613. It has three naves filled with magnificent paintings, sculptures and a wooden lacunar ceiling.

If you ever visit Sicily, Linguaglossa is the gateway to Etna Nord and it’s well worth spending an hour or two there. I hope you enjoyed your visit with me.