Melilli, Province of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

🇮🇹 Melilli (Sicilian: Miliddi) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Syracuse, Sicily (southern Italy), located about 190 km (120 mi) south-east of Palermo and about 20 km (12 mi) north-western of Syracuse.

Geography Melilli stands at about 310 metres (1,020 ft) above sea level close to the Monti Climiti chain, overlooking the Megara bay and the industrial district of Augusta-Priolo.

Melilli borders the following municipalities: Augusta, Carlentini, Priolo Gargallo, Syracuse, Sortino.

History The human presence in the area is attested since the Bronze Age. Its strategic situation between the major cities of Augusta and Syracuse has played a critical role in its growth. In the feudal age, it became a dominion of the Augusta County.

It managed to revive after two devastating quakes in 1542 and 1693. Since 1842 it has been an autonomous city.

Tourist Industry The Chiesa Madre San Nicolò Vescovo (Mother Church of St Nicolas, Bishop of Myra), dedicated to Saint Nicholas, has a ceiling painted with the Triumph of the Faith by Olivo Sozzi.

The church of San Sebastiano, dating from the 18th century, houses various paintings by Sozzi, among which are a Coronation of Saint Sebastian and The Triumph of the Faith, and a marble altarpiece representing the Deposition of St. Bartholomew.

The church of Sant'Antonio Abate has bronze bas-reliefs on the portal by Domenico Girbino.

Nature The River Marcellino, flowing nearby, offers naturalistic spots and an old necropolis. The neighboring salt-mines of Augusta were an important economic resource as far as the end of World War II.

Economy Augusta-Priolo The petrochemical complex of Augusta-Priolo (called Polo petrolchimico siracusano in Italian) is a vast industrialised coastal area in eastern Sicily including the territory of the municipalities of Augusta, Priolo Gargallo and Melilli. Main industrial activities are oil refining, processing of oil derivatives and energy production.

The complex, whose beginnings date back to 1949, has produced significant environmental problems for the coastline and the entire area, as well as health issues and an increased death rate. The area is therefore often dubbed triangolo della morte (triangle of death).

Among the companies in the region are ExxonMobil, Sasol, ERG, Polimeri Europa and Syndial.

Culture Feasts in the town include: • Carnival • Christ's nativity representation (during Christmas) • Holy week • Feast of Saint Sebastian - 4 May (Patron Saint of the town)