ETIMOLOGY AND HISTORY

Aterrana is located at the end of a hill which toils up the little Church of “Madonna delle Grazie”. The village (hamlet of Montoro) was not affected by the terrible earthquake in 1980. It is located in the fertile Montemarano valley, down the slopes of Taurina mountain chain and represents a successful union between history, culture, traditions and natural beauties. Aterrana is an ancient village which probably has pre-Roman origins, but has received its current structure during the Middle Ages. Aterrana is special for the corners, the little alleys and narrow streets. The village’s simple architecture, reflects the conditions of life of the countrymen who have inhabited it.

Little clefts, small houses with outdoor steps, Baroque balconies, courtyards with ancient wells, windows set in stone frames, simple little churches… all these elements are typical of a place which seems immune to years and modernity. Aterrana preserves its magic, an enchanted atmosphere where people keep on living with simplicity and, over the years, have fought for their land, to bring it back to its splendor, to protect it from the passing of time and give it to posterity. Walking through its old streets you can feel the love locals have for their land, you become a part of their cheerful world, populated by elder and young people, by locals, by emigrants who periodically come back to their village to remember this ancient collective memory.