Francofonte fights with other towns in the plane of Catania to have the title of Tarocco (a kind of orange) capital. Surrounded by huge orange fields, the origins of Francofonte come from the ancient town of Hydria, described by Tolomeo, between Sergention and Leontinoi.
Actually, remains of an old circular castle and of a tower have been discovered at a few distance from the current inhabited centre, in Contrada Iadera.
Garibaldi Square is the heart of the town, made precious by Palagonia palace, of the 18th century, known also as Palace of the Marquis, currently Town Hall, and by the front of the cathedral.
The palace, considered as one of the best examples of baroque civil buildings in Siracusa, was built on the eastern area of a castle of Chiaramonte family, of the second half of the 14th century.
“Archive A.P.T. Syracuse”
Palazzo del Municipio (Foto: E. Zinna)
Castello (Foto: A. Maiorca)
