Tindari

Sanctuary of Tindari

The Basilica Sanctuary of Maria Santissima stands as one of Sicily’s most important sacred sites, located at the easternmost point of the promontory where the acropolis once stood. The Sanctuary was built where a previous religious building had stood before its destruction during the Ottoman invasion, later rebuilt in the mid-sixteenth century. In 1953, the Sanctuary underwent necessary enlargement and restoration works, resulting in the current structure characterised by a Latin cross layout with three naves, a square transept and a semicircular apse.

The Sanctuary’s symbol is undoubtedly the Black Madonna, crafted from cedarwood with Oriental features and dated to between the eighth and ninth centuries. Legend has it that the ship carrying the statue took refuge in Tindari’s bay during a fierce storm, but once the weather cleared, it could not leave due to the heavy cargo. However, after unloading the Madonna statue, the vessel supposedly managed to resume its voyage. The statue was promptly placed in the small church at the town’s highest point and has since become a destination for countless pilgrimages. The Black Madonna of Tindari is depicted wearing a crown in the position of a “Queen Enthroned“, cradling the Christ Child.

Tindari Archaeological Park

The Archaeological Area sprawls between Tindari and Patti and holds considerable historical significance, with numerous artefacts discovered here now displayed in the Antiquarium museum. Excavations have revealed the Roman urban layout divided into cardines and decumani, various tabernae, important domus, villas and buildings including a gymnasium and theatre.

Studies of the Theatre particularly revealed it was originally constructed by the Greeks in the fourth century BC before being remodelled by the Romans to serve as an amphitheatre for gladiatorial games. Discoveries also include temple remains, such as those dedicated to Jupiter and Neptune.

Cathedral of San Bartolomeo

The Cathedral of San Bartolomeo, commissioned by Roger of Altavilla in the eleventh century, was constructed on the site of a fortress that once served as a military stronghold. Several earthquakes have damaged the Cathedral, which underwent numerous alterations and renovations over time. The religious building now presents a blend of styles evident in its Arab-Norman style portal, baroque southern portico and various decorations executed in lava stone and white marble.

Marinello Lagoons Nature Reserve

The Marinello Lagoons area, better known as the Marinello Lagoons Oriented Nature Reserve, sits beneath the promontory hosting the Tindari Sanctuary. This zone, also called Mare Secco (Dry Sea), comprises sandy areas and small lagoons formed through artificial interventions along the Timeto stream valley. The nature and conformation of these splendid water bodies mean their number and shape vary according to tides and seasons.

Coda di Volpe Naturalistic Trail

The famous Coda di Volpe Trail begins from the Lagoons Reserve, a path once used to connect Tindari’s centre with the ancient colony’s port. This itinerary’s name derives from its distinctive shape, which resembles a fox’s tail.

This route, recently the pilgrimage path used to reach the Black Madonna Sanctuary, stretches approximately 1.2 km through Mediterranean scrubland terrain. Its particular appeal lies in the magnificent landscapes spanning from the Marinello Lagoons to the Gulf of Patti and occasionally offering views of the Aeolian Islands.