Basicò: small Sicilian village, slow food presidium of basicotana provola

A small town in the province of Messina, Basicò was once called Casalnuovo, but in 1862 the name changed. The first stop to visit are the Basilian crypts of the twelfth century, found during the works for the construction of the Town Hall. The Baronial Palace De Maria is certainly the most important historical building. Today it is the seat of the pro-loco and a museum of crafts, as well as being a place for events and ceremonies; it was a noble residence until 1812 and hosted all the feudal families of the place. Palazzo Foti is another historic building, in Baroque style, it was the seat of the Governor and today it is owned by the Ignazio Foti foundation, but is in a severe state of neglect. Throughout the village it is possible to admire several fountains, built on some underground springs to water the animals. The main place of worship is the church of San Francesco, patron saint of the village, dating back to the 1600s. Typical gastronomic product of the village is Provola Basicotana, a slow food presidium, and the protagonist of a festival held every year in August.