General Description
Here at 1800 feet above sea level, the air is always crisp and cool. Catania's noble families always spent their summers in villas nestled among these verdant hills. Dimora dei Signori, surrounded by lawn, trees and a small vineyard is one such home.

Dimora dei Signori offers guests glimpses of Mount Etna, which can be seen from parts of the house. Since it is on the main street of Trecastagni, there's the added pleasure of being able to walk to cafés, shops and restaurants.

The house is on a one acre lot that includes a furnished outdoor dining area, a barbecue, the caretaker's cottage and a driveway with parking for one car. Additional cars are parked on a nearby side street.

Inside, the furnishings are a simple and pleasant blend of antique and modern pieces. The kitchen, though small, is fairly well equipped. There's a CD player, a washing machine and satellite television. A maid or cook may be reserved at the time of booking.

Before we talk about the assortment of day trips that can easily be undertaken from here, I'd like to tell you a little bit about the town itself. In the year 251, three Christian brothers from Puglia by the name of 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 and conversions took place. In this one spot a woman who felt pity at their mistreatment offered them tre castagne (three chestnuts). Rather than devour them, the brothers knelt, prayed and planted what eventually grew into three mighty trees. By the time they reached nearby Lentini, even their guards adopted Christianity and they too were put to death.

Trecastagni owes its very existence to these three martyrs. Everything in Trecastagni, including a huge and ornate church, revolves around Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino. During the first two weekends in May, the town is festooned in lights, candlelight vigils, processions filled with barefoot penitents, fireworks, miracles (yes, they still happen), concerts and a spirit of togetherness that will move you regardless of your creed. Then in October there's a different food festival in town every weekend.

Since Trecastagni is only a 10 minute drive from the A18 autostrada, it is also a great location for day trips. Aci Trezza and its beaches are 20 minutes away by car; Rifugio Sapienza (the south side of Mt. Etna), Catania or Taormina: 30; Siracusa or Messina: 60.

Technical Description
Ground floor: Living room with fireplace. Small living room with TV and CD player. Dining room with doors 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 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.