Palagonia

The city of the red-fleshed oranges

The aroma of citrus groves, a mild climate all year round and monuments of high historical and cultural value: this is what Palagonia offers visitors, who arrive at the southern edge of the vast Catania plain in search of tranquillity and good food.

Just under an hour’s drive from the centre of Catania, Palagonia is a small town surrounded by lush citrus groves, which are home to the true treasure of this territory: the red-fleshed orange, a symbol of Sicily. 

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Palagonia welcomes visitors by proudly displaying the places of interest that document its rich history. The most popular monuments include the hermitage of Santa Febronia, a Byzantine jewel in the Coste district just a few kilometres from the town centre, and what remains of the early Christian basilica dedicated to St John. We also recommend visiting the Pozzo Blandini, one of the large cisterns built in the late 16th century to supply water to the citrus groves on the plain.