Tindari

Archaeological finds, natural beauty and historical cults 

On a coastal promontory overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tindari is a subdivision of Patti, in the province of Messina, rich in cultural and scenic beauty. In the centre is the ancient Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tindari, linked to the cult of the “Matri ‘u Tinnaru”, a wooden sculpture from an unspecified period known as the Black Madonna, one of the oldest Marian devotions in Sicily. Nearby is the archaeological area, where remains of temples and part of an acropolis and amphitheatre have been discovered. 

We recommend taking the ancient Coda di Volpe trail to the Reserve of the Lakes of Marinello, a 400-hectare protected area. The route, immersed in Mediterranean scrubland, offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Patti, the Aeolian Islands, the Peloritani mountain range and the Milazzo peninsula. 

Don’t miss the Roman Villa of Patti, with its mosaics and artefacts, and the Cathedral Basilica of San Bartolomeo, featuring lava stone and white marble decorations on the façade and an Arab-Norman-style portal. For a dip in the sea, we recommend the seaside village of Mongiove. 

20 kilometres away is the Grotta del Tono, a cave of great historical-geological interest located in Gioiosa Marea, where you can explore tunnels, stalactites and stalagmites. We recommend booking a guided tour with experienced cavers.