Renowned Italian television host Pippo Baudo, born in Militello in Val di Catania on June 7, 1936, consistently celebrated his Sicilian roots, declaring, “It is a great honour for me that my name is linked to Militello.” He described his birthplace as “one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily,” adding, “I consider my town, which is a proper city, a truly beautiful village – a very well-maintained municipal park full of greenery. And then the churches, with their exceptional Baroque architecture, as it is part of the Val di Noto, the heart of Sicilian Baroque. Three parishes: San Benedetto, Santissimo Salvatore, and then Santa Maria della Stella.”
It is precisely at Santa Maria della Stella that Baudo requested his final farewell. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 20th, starting at 4:00 PM. National broadcaster Rai1 will broadcast the funeral live on its flagship news program Tg1 from 3:30 PM until 6:10 PM. Simultaneously, Retequattro will air the special “Diario del Giorno – Addio Pippo” (“Diary of the Day – Farewell Pippo”), hosted by Monica Bertini, providing live coverage of the funeral from 3:35 PM until 6:55 PM, when it will hand over to the regular Tg4 news.
Baudo actively championed Militello, urging viewers during an edition of the Rai Tre program “Kilimangiaro” contest “Borgo dei Borghi” (Village of Villages) to “Vote for my great village of Militello.” His appeal proved successful, as in April this year, Militello was voted Italy’s most beautiful village, winning the “Borgo dei Borghi 2025” title. Militello has been part of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” association since 2002 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its extraordinary Baroque architecture.
The town, with fewer than 7,000 inhabitants and located about an hour from both Catania and Syracuse, features ancient houses, narrow streets, and rich noble palaces, surrounded by lush nature including the Oxena waterfalls, a natural attraction drawing European visitors. Local countryside produces prickly pears, transformed into mostarda and celebrated annually at a fall festival. Militello’s official Facebook page dedicated a post to Baudo, featuring photos from his childhood as an altar boy through his illustrious career. Calls are already emerging to name a street or square after the “great national Pippo.”
The only child of lawyer Giovanni Baudo and Innocenza Pirracchio, Baudo frequently returned with pleasure to his hometown, meeting old childhood friends and retracing memories, such as visiting the historic delicatessen where his family shopped for a mortadella sandwich – a particular favourite, as recalled by the shop owner.
Large crowds are expected to pay homage on Wednesday, mirroring the packed wake. In response, Trenitalia (FS Group), in agreement with the commissioning Sicilian Region, will bolster transport services with additional buses connecting Catania Centrale, Militello, and Gela stations.
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