Castroreale: Art, History and Views of the Aeolian Islands

Castroreale lies amid the Peloritani Mountains and combines impressive examples of sacred art with traces of medieval fortifications.

Art and Sacred Architecture

The Museo Civico is housed in the former Oratorio di San Filippo Neri and includes a Salvator Mundi by Polidoro Caldara da Caravaggio. The Duomo, built in the first third of the 17th century and dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, contains a polyptych of the Nativity by Giovan Filippo Criscuolo, created in 1550, as well as a sundial with a camera obscura system designed by Nicolò Perroni Basquez in 1854. In the Duomo, the sacred dedication comes together with painting and a sundial with a camera obscura system, bringing different historical forms of expression together in one place.

The smaller churches also offer deep insights into Castroreale’s history. The Chiesa della Candelora dates from the late 14th century and was probably the chapel of the castle of Frederick II of Aragon. Every year on 2 February, the Feast of Candelora is celebrated there with the blessing of the candles. The Chiesa di Santa Marina incorporates parts of Castroreale’s fortification system, including a tower into which the Chapel of San Lorenzo was integrated.

Castle Remains, Processions and Museums

The Torre di Federico II is the only surviving remnant of the castle that Frederick II of Aragon had built in 1324. From there, panoramic views extend from the Peloritani Mountains to the Aeolian Islands. The Torre links the castle’s heritage with views of the landscape, as its panoramic outlook extends from the Peloritani Mountains to the Aeolian Islands. The Museo Parrocchiale e degli Arredi Sacri, housed in the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, preserves five panels from the late 14th century and a Flemish triptych from the 16th century.

The statue Cristo Lungo is located in the Chiesa di Sant’Agata. It is carried in procession on 23 and 25 August as well as during Holy Week. The church also preserves an Annunciation by Antonello Gagini from 1519.

Walking Tour and Mountain Route

The walking tour through the historic centre begins at Piazza delle Aquile. Itinerary 2 begins in Castroreale, is mainly a mountain route and follows a mule track into the Vallone Pumia. This type of path is crucial for route planning, as it clearly distinguishes Itinerary 2 from the walking tour through the historic centre.

Visits to the Andromeda Digital Planetarium can be booked by telephone at 349 7167804.

Biscuits and Local Festivals

Castroreale is particularly known for its biscuits, including u biscottu castricianu and u biscottu da badissa. The Sagra del Biscotto Castriciano takes place every year in August in Castroreale. August also connects these specialities with an annual recurring festival date.

Other destinations in the shared travel area include Castello, Mongiove, Graniti, Canneto, Vulcano Porto, Galati Mamertino, Gioiosa Marea and Giardini Naxos.

For the overview of the wider travel area: Messina.