Capo d'Orlando

Capo d'Orlando is a comune in the province of Messina, Sicily, Italy and is considered the capital of comprensorio dei Nebrodi. Well known as a vivacious, active, tourist and commercial center, Capo d'Orlando is also the birthplace of the poet Lucio Piccolo, cousin of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (see "Il Gattopardo"). Artistic activities take place in Capo d'Orlando (municipal's picture-gallery, the museum "Villa Piccolo"), entertainment(cinema, theater, blues club). It is home to a top division basketball team, Orlandina Basket. The center is nowadays well known for summer seaside-related activities due to its beautiful coastline, that offers a wonderful view of the aeolian islands right in front and on the horizon, and also offers stunning sunsets in the evening. Tourism is one of the main resources that greatly contributes to the local economy. Capo d'Orlando's economy is also appreciated for its remarkable role in the area, for the massive presence of both credit and investment banks, commercial activities, several important factories located nearby such as "Porte IMIC" (wooden and metal door manufacturer), "irritec" and "siplast" (irrigation systems), and the industry related to the exploitation of the extensive presence of orange of lemon fields throughout the area. The town started off as just a tiny fisherman's village of bare self-subsistence-based living. In fact, there wasn't a real settlement for centuries after the destruction, kidnapping and deportation of the former population of Agathyrnum at the hands of the Roman republican army. It was reborn around 1920 after centuries of effective inexistence when it was elevated to the status of Comune (council), whereas, before it was just a part of the territory of Naso (a hillside town located just above - i.e. to the south of - Capo d'Orlando), and the railway station was made, during the fascist "ventennio" (short history). During the 20th century, its population, influence and tourist development quickly grew taking Capo d'Orlando to a new level of "excellence" in the Sicilian framework in which it is actually broadly recognized today. The town, despite its relatively small size, is quite busy, represents a point of reference for the entire surrounding area. The town also has a small marina for both fishing and tourist boats alike that also offers transportation to and from the Aeolian islands during the summer season and approximately 14 km of beaches, rocky shores that face the deep blue Tyrrenian sea making it an ideal summer spot. The location of Capo d'Orlando is also very peculiar because for a town that faces the sea, it is also very close (less than 20 km) to Nebrodi Mountain Regional Environmental Park: a fairly large extension of temperate woods, where is possible to hike to lakes, rivers, falls and tiny historical villages where everyone can enjoy the best of traditional Sicilian food and wine. Capo d'Orlando has a twin city relationship with the City of Fremantle in Western Australia, established due to the cultural and historical links between the cities, and to maintain family associations, trade and tourism. History See Agathyrnum. References Other online sources Capo d'Orlando's map Capo d'Orlando's info