Until yesterday evening, Capizzi was known only by the Sicilian inhabitants (and in all likelihood not all) for its history, its monuments and for its particular geographical position: it is part of the province of Messina, but is practically 150 km from the city of the Strait. Capizzi is a small municipality in the Sicilian hinterland, inserted in the Nebrodi Park, at approximately 1,100 m above sea level, with an area of ~70 km² and a population of approximately 2,728 inhabitants (data updated as of 07/31/2025). It is a rather isolated mountain village, as mentioned, compared to the three most important cities in Sicily: Palermo, Catania and Messina.
Since yesterday evening, however, Capizzi has risen to the altar of national news for the murder of a 16-year-old boy, Giuseppe Di Dio.
Between history and monuments
Agricultural center of the southern Nebrodi located on the slopes of Mount Pomiere at approximately 1120 meters above sea level. It’s probably the ancient one “Capytium” mentioned by Cicero and whose origins date back to Roman times. It is believed that its name derives from the shape of the hill on which it stands, whose peak has the appearance of a head. In the Norman age the village belonged to the state property, while during the Swabian dominion the territory was elevated to county status and given to Conrad of Antioch.
In 1387 Peter II, king of Sicily, incorporated it into royal state property. King Alfonso subsequently ordered its perpetual state ownership which lasted until 1682 when the land of Capizzi was sold to Gregorio Castello. The Castellos retained the investiture until 1802 with the title of marquisate. The historic center of this small town is interesting and still retains much of its medieval appearance in the typology of some houses or in the characteristic pavements and walls made of local stone.
Of notable artistic importance is the beautiful Gothic portal of the Mother Churchdating back to 1234, and the sixteenth-century statue attributed to Antonello Gagini which is preserved inside the Church of San Giacomo. The Capizzi territory is largely covered by coppiced woods and pastures which allow for thriving sheep and cattle breeding. The main source of income remains agriculture (cereals, vineyards and chestnut groves). Craft activities such as wrought iron manufacturing, once very flourishing, have almost completely disappeared.