Centuries-old chestnut trees in Sicily

The sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) has been part of the life and diet of the population in Southern Europe and Italy since antiquity. Its distribution increased significantly from the time of the Romans and subsequently thanks to cultivation by medieval monks.

Sicily: The Chestnut – a special tree

Sicily: The 100 Horses Chestnut Tree 

In this area stands one of the oldest and most impressive trees in Italy, “the chestnut of the 100 horses” or Il Castagno dei Cento CavalliAccording to legend, in the 16th century, Queen Giovanna d'Aragona sought shelter from a storm under this majestic tree together with her 100 knightsThis centuries-old giant chestnut tree stands in the municipality of Sant' Alfio in the province of Catania. The tree is no less than 2200 years old! A true living monument. The trunk has a circumference of more than 20 meters and a gigantic crown of about 1000 square meters. The tree has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2008 and was voted Italian Tree of the Year in 2021. You simply must see this tree! An ideal destination for a trip outside the city, especially in the summer when it is too hot on the beach.

Sicily: San Martino chestnuts and wine

Tip: rent a villa in Sicily with friends. Villa Roda Located 15 km from the coast near Marzamemi, it offers beautiful views and, with 3 bedrooms, is suitable for 6 people.

Incidentally, early November is often still very pleasant and sunny in Italy; this period is therefore also known as the Estate di San Martino, the San Martino summer. And who was Saint Martino? According to legend, the soldier Martin of Tours, who served in the Roman army, was sitting on his horse on a cold and rainy autumn day when he saw two beggars shivering with cold along the road. With his sword, he cut his cloak in half and gave one half to the beggars. Thanks to this generous gesture, the sky miraculously cleared and the temperature rose—the San Martino summer!