Mandanici

Mandanici (Sicilian: Mannanici) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Messina in the Italian region Sicily, located about 170 kilometres (110 mi) east of Palermo and about 30 kilometres (19 mi) southwest of Messina. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 695 and an area of 11.7 square kilometres (4.5 sq mi). Mandanici borders the following municipalities: Fiumedinisi, Nizza di Sicilia, Pagliara, Roccalumera, Santa Lucia del Mela. History Mandanici, a small centre in the Province of Messina, was founded in a broad valley on the slopes of Pizzo Luci at the foot of the Peloritani. Its origin is uncertain, but it is claimed that it was founded by Greek colonists during the Chalkidean migration. More secure evidence exists from the period of Norman rule, as it was recorded the royal historian Don Rocco Pirri's Sicilia Sacra. Even today, Mandanici's historical cultural importance is attested by the duomo, with its frescoes and amazing wooden roof and terracotta columns from local sources, by the remains of the abbey of San Basilio, which was erected at the impetus of Roger II (1100) to be a centre of international study, gatherings and religion, by the works of art like the canvas and plaster crucifix from 1600 in the church of SS. Trinità la Madonna del Cesto, the paintings of Subba, and the Norman churches. Another monument of historical value is the church of SS. Salvatore from the seveneteenth century, which has been restored and designated a Museo Etnocintropologico. The local library is full of books on medicine, history, and theology from the sixteenth century. Economy In addition to pastoralism and agriculture in general, the local economy is involved in the production of high quality olive oil. The oil of the Mandanici has achieved recognition as a product of excellence due to the high percentage of oleic acid and thhe low overall acidity. The oil of Mandanici was recognised by the University of Bari as among the best in Italy because in addition to its taste, it contains a great deal of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and large amounts of vitamens. Solvents are not used during the pressing process, so it is an entirely organic product. The Mandanicese kitchen offers the typical dishes based on chicken cooked on the grill in a wood-fired oven. Mandanicese macaroni, made by hand and prepared with tomato, eggplant and local antipastos (salami, pecorino cheese & eggplants in oil, olives in brine and dried tomatoes), is famous and is served to tourists in the local restaurants. Geography Mandanici is located ten kilometres from the rail line for Roccalumera and from the SS 114, whence it is accessed by the Roccalumera-Mandanici local trains. It lies on the slopes of the Peloritani at the centre of an arc from Monte Scuderi that includes the summit of Mualio at an altitude of 417 metres. Administration The comune of Mandanici was part of the following super-comunal organisations: Agrarian region no. 6 (Coastal mountains of the Peloritani) and the Unione dei comuni delle Valli joniche dei Peloritani. Demographic evolution Famous citizens of Mandanici Emilio Argiroffi (1922-1998), doctor, politician, poet, painter References ^ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat. ^ "GURS Parte I n. 43, 2008". Retrieved 21 May 2014. External links Private website dedicated to the Comune of Mandanici (Italian) Sicilia Antica: Gruppo Folkrorico Mandanicese