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The name of the town – officially known as Francavilla di Sicilia (to distinguish it from the other seven eponymous settlements in Italy) – is explained in several ways: according to the authorised version it comes from the French, ‘Franc Ville’, as the town was exempt from feudal taxes until 1538. However, the locals seem to prefer the fanciful story that tells of Louis, a Dauphin of France, falling in love with and kidnapping Angelina, a lass from the town. In vain had she encouraged her governess to keep watch, encouraging her with ‘Franca, vigghia!’ the dialect for ‘Franca, keep watch!’

Francavilla’s ruined castle and views to the coast

The walk entails a straightforward if steep climb to the castle lookout, followed by a pleasant stretch through citrus orchards along the renowned river. Most of the route corresponds to the Alcantara Park nature trail ‘le Gurne’ with info boards.

The Walk

From the Municipio at Francavilla (320m) turn southeast along an old basalt-paved road through the old part of town. Many houses still sport elaborately decorated stone balconies and hefty carved portals. Past the Chiesa del Carmine keep straight on Via Ruffo, in ascent. At lovely Villa Luisa Maria, its garden shaded by swaying Canary palm trees, fork left to reach the squat belltower and church in Piazza Matrice.