HISTORICAL NOTES

Even if the origin and the past of Mirto, from the Byzantine period to the Normans age, are wrapped in mystery, it is possible to reconstruct its history. Mirto surely existed in the 13th century at the time of Filippo III d'Aragona, but its origin runs even back in the past.
The lack of information is partially due to the political crisis that took place in Sicily, as well as to the illiteracy of the time, and in some measure to the devastating incursions operated by some marauders, to the greediness and arrogance of the conquerors, and mostly it is due to the disorders artfully caused by the Sicilian barons interested to destroy the official records, that could reveal their responsibility, infringements, misappropriations, abuses and misuses.
I will deal with this after, at the moment I will just debate about the sacred places: churches and votive chapels.

OVERVIEW OF MIRTO AND SURROUNDINGS

Provincial road 157 meanders through the green, on the hill where the town is located. The territory of Mirto, seen from above, is shaped like a delta. The residential zone is situated upon a secondary hill of the Nebrodi, in a place full of vegetation and orchards that confer a multicoloured aspect to the place.
The monuments, the finds and the relics are the evidence of a fascinating history that runs through the centuries.

VEGETATION AND LANDSCAPE

Mirto rises on a hill that is 428 meters on the sea level.Looking out from the slopes, it appears the wonderful beauty of its country.

There, olive, chestnut and hazel trees, as well as orchards vegetate. Even if rarefied, if compared to the past, the oaks lushly survive.
The eye, looking this luxuriant vegetation, fixes in the retina, peaceful and extraordinary images.