Discover Milazzo: Citadel, Coast and History

Milazzo between Citadel and Coast

Milazzo combines a multifaceted history of fortifications with distinctive coastal landscapes. The Castello di Milazzo and the Spanish walls form Sicily’s most extensive fortified citadel. The site where the castle stands has been continuously inhabited by people for at least 5,000 years. This gives your trip a historical focus that is not limited to a single building.

A permanent exhibition in the sacristy of the old cathedral in the Castello di Milazzo displays 232 ancient coins. A walk along the outer walls of the old Castello di Milazzo leads to the scenic Fortino dei Castriciani. This allows you to combine the fortifications, historical traces and a route through the site without separating the individual points of interest from one another.

Archaeology, Churches and Visible History

The Antiquarium Domenico Ryolo is located in the east wing of the so-called Quartiere degli Spagnoli in Milazzo, built in the 16th century. In ten exhibition rooms, the antiquarium presents the archaeology of Milazzo. On display are 1,267 finds dating from the Neolithic period to the Byzantine era.

The religious buildings also take you through different periods of the city’s history. The Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola was founded around 1464 by the saint of the same name. In the Duomo Nuovo – Chiesa di Santo Stefano, two related panels from the 16th century are on display; they are attributed to Antonello De Saliba. Opposite the main façade of the Duomo Nuovo – Chiesa di Santo Stefano, the remains of a Late Roman and Proto-Byzantine necropolis from the 5th to 7th centuries AD are also visible.

Baia del Tono and Capo Milazzo

At Baia del Tono, the beach curves alongside rocky slopes and cliffs. The bay was once selected for the construction of the largest tuna fishing station on the northeastern coast of Sicily because of its natural characteristics and location. This historical connection is part of the landscape of Baia del Tono without equating its former use with a present-day function.

The Capo Milazzo marine protected area encompasses the Site of Community Importance SIC ITA030045 Fondali di Capo Milazzo. Access to Capo Milazzo is free; it can be reached by car or on foot. By car, you reach the hilltop and then descend on foot to the sea. From Baia del Tono, a path follows the rocky coastal slope to high cliffs.

At Capo Milazzo, a nature trail leads to the natural rock formation Piscina di Venere. Ferries to the Aeolian Islands can be boarded from Baia del Tono. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a focus on the citadel and museums, coastal paths or an excursion to the islands. When choosing a hotel, this breakdown helps you first determine the type of trip you want and the most suitable base for your days in Milazzo.

Other Places for Planning Your Trip

Itala, Marina Di Patti, San Salvatore Di Fitalia, Galati Mamertino, San Saba, Pistunina, Longi, Calavà

To the higher-level travel overview: Messina.