At 1800 feet above sea level, the air is crisp and cool. Noble Sicilian families spent their summers in villas nestled among these verdant hills. Dimora dei Signori is one such home located between Mount Etna and the sea. This prime location is ideal for exploring all that the eastern side of Sicily has to offer.

On the main road leading into the town of Trecastagni, Dimora dei Signori has a gated entrance and sits on a one acre lot surrounded by palm trees, a small vineyard and other greenery. Cafes, restaurants and a good bakery are within a leisurely, 300 yard stroll.

In addition to a furnished terrace at the rear of the villa, there is a brick patio with a barbecue, and the groundskeeper's cottage is 50 yards away. While most of the view in this residential setting is of neighboring homes, Dimora dei Signori offers a few glimpses of Mount Etna including a stunning peek from one of the first floor bedrooms.

Inside, the furnishings are comfortable and inviting. The five bedrooms are all good sized with one of them being accessed by walking through another bedroom or by using the French doors leading to the garden. Of the three bathrooms, one is quite small and best suited for the petite crowd. Meals or cleaning service may be ordered when booking.

Trecastagni has a fascinating history. In 251 AD, three Christian brothers from Puglia named Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino were being taken by Roman soldiers to Lentini in Sicily for execution. Their mom had already suffered a similar fate. At each juncture along the arduous journey, miracles took place. In this one spot, a woman took pity on them offering three chestnuts (tre castagne). Rather than devour them, the brothers knelt, prayed and planted what eventually grew into three mighty trees. By the time they reached Lentini, even their guards adopted Christianity. They too were put to death.

Everything in Trecastagni including an ornate church revolves around these Christian martyrs. During the first two weekends in May, the town is festooned with lights, candlelight vigils, processions filled with barefoot penitents, miracles (yes, they still happen), concerts and a spirit of togetherness that culminates with a grand procession and fireworks on May 10th.

Walkers, hikers and skiers couldn't ask for a better base to explore Mt. Etna. A 10 minute drive leads to Nicolosi on Etna's southern slope and to a tourist office with expert guides. From here, a shuttle also reaches Rifugio Sapienza, 25 minutes away, and the starting point of a five hour trek to Torre del Filosofo (Philosopher's Tower) overlooking active craters, all of Sicily, the mainland and the distant shores of Malta.

A ten minute drive to the A18 autostrada also makes this a prime location for exploring historic treasures along the eastern shore. The thermal spas of Acireale are 20 minutes away; Aci Trezza's beaches and its Norman castle: 25; Catania's lively fish market: 30; Taormina's Greek theater or Lentini's archeological museum: 45; Messina, Siracusa and ancient Ortigia: 60; Caltagirone's ceramics, the Roman mosaics of Piazza Armerina or Baroque Noto: 90; Ragusa or Cefalu: 2 hours; Agrigento or Palermo: 2.5 hours.

Technical Description
Ground floor: Living room with fireplace and French doors opening to the furnished terrace. Small living room with TV and CD player. Dining room with French doors opening to furnished terrace. Kitchen with stove top, oven, fridge and dishwasher. One bedroom with two single, joinable beds and doors leading to a bedroom with two single beds and doors to the garden. One bedroom with two single, joinable beds. One step up into a bathroom with shower.

First floor: Two bedrooms each with two single, joinable beds. Two bathrooms each with shower, one is small and has a washing machine.