Quartiere di Mezzo and Casa delle Decime

Audioguide created in collaboration with the students of "A. Gussio" scuola secondaria di primo grado Sant'Alessio Siculo.

Narrated by Emma Sigillo.

Beside the small buildings with windows and slits dating back to the end of the 1600s, it is possible to see an ancient building complex. Its southern side is bordered by an entrance door, which exhibit the year 1770 on its arch, together with the remains of a watchtower, which is today a private property.

In the same built up area, it is located "Casa delle Decime", which is a manor house, whose name originates from an ancient feudal lord of the area. The building was used to collect tithes and "gabelle" for its numerous latifundium.

"Casa delle Decime" is a prototype of the eighteen-century noble construction industry of Sant'Alessio: with sober and stern facade, on the ground floor it presents an arched door made of Taormina stone. The upper deck boasts a balcony with three majestic shelves.

An ancient tale narrates that in the palace underwent the murdered of two sisters by the hand of their brother, who had arrived from Forza D'Agrò.

The murder is very similar to the one found in the fascinating pages of "Crime and Punishment", and this gives to the house's history a more interesting twist.

Another tale narrates about an underground sheltered walkway, that from the house led to the watchtower, which was used to hide the proceeds of the gabelle from pirates and bandits.