| Francavilla di Sicilia | |
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| — Comune — | |
| Comune di Francavilla di Sicilia | |
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Francavilla di Sicilia
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Province | Messina (ME) |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Salvatore Nuciforo (since May 28, 2002) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 82 km2 (31.7 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 330 m (1,083 ft) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 4,060 |
| • Density | 49.5/km2 (128.2/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Francavillesi |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 98034 |
| Dialing code | 0942 |
| Patron saint | Santa Barbara and Sant'Euplio di Catania |
| Saint day | December 4 and last Sunday in August |
| Website | Official website |
Francavilla di Sicilia (Sicilian: Francavigghia) is a town and comune in the Province of Messina on the island of Sicily, Italy.
It has a population of about 4,000 people and is situated in the southern part of the province, close to the northern slopes of Mount Etna. The distance to Messina is about 50 km, and the town is about 70 km away from Catania airport. It is located in the valley of the River Alcantara between Taormina and Randazzo. Taormina and the Mediterranean Sea are about 15 km to the south-east. Neighboring towns and villages include: Antillo, Castiglione di Sicilia, Fondachelli-Fantina, Malvagna, Montalbano Elicona, Motta Camastra, Novara di Sicilia and Tripi.
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In the vicinity of the town artefacts have been found dating back to the 5th century BC.
In 1092 the Abbey of San Salvatore di Placa was built, and the town grew around it.
On June 20, 1719 a major battle was fought between Spanish and Austrians in the War of the Quadruple Alliance, leaving 8000 dead and wounded.