Randazzo is located on the north western slope of Mt. Etna, and it is only due to divine intervention that the town has never been wiped out by lava. We have visited here an number of times, but one of our favorites was when we were there during a 4 inch snowfall!

Randazzo didn't begin to prosper until the 12th. Century, when it experienced a period of rapid growth that lasted until extreme Spanish taxation in the 16th. Century brought its progress to a screeching halt.

Considered by many as one of the most medieval towns in Sicily, Randazzo is full of small winding streets, all of which are enclosed by a fortified wall.

The majority of the buildings date from its period of prosperity, and the whole town keeps is air of medievalness.

The old town main defensive tower has been restored, and now hosts an unimpressive collection of pottery and other bits collected by archeologists in the area. A much more interesting display awaits the visitor in the basement, where they have an amazing collection of Sicilian puppets, these being over a meter in height and of great detail. Entrance to the tower and the museums is free.

Randazzo also has one of the few Sunday open markets in Sicily, theirs specializing in metal work.

Roger and Diana Byers enjoy the snow in Randazzo (courtesy Roger Byers, Jan 1999)

Roger and Garbo inspect the Porte di San Martino (a medieval gate) in Randazzo (courtesy Roger Byers, Jan 1999)

Street Scene, Randazzo (courtesy Roger Byers, Jan 1999)

Street Scene, Randazzo (courtesy Roger Byers, Jan 1999)

Chiesa di Santa Maria in Randazzo - first constructed in the 13th Century and restored a number of times since. (Courtesy Roger Byers, Jan 1999)

Sicilian puppet museum located in the basement of the old town tower (courtesy Roger Byers, Jan 1999)

Close up of Sicilian puppet (left, courtesy Roger Byers, Jan 1999, right, GIAK original, 2001)

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