Contrada Lacco: Churches, Views and Sicilian Festival Traditions

Contrada Lacco combines a rural hillside setting with churches, viewpoints and Sicilian festival traditions. If you would like to combine religious heritage, tranquil landscapes and local customs, Contrada Lacco offers several points of interest.

Hillside Setting and Peaceful Landscape

The hilly settlement of Lacco lies at around 500 metres above sea level and is divided between the municipalities of Brolo and Piraino. The road from Iannello to Lacco is lined with olive trees. Contrada Lacco is situated in a rural and peaceful setting that is suitable for quiet reflection and prayer.

Churches and Historical Heritage

Contrada Lacco is home to the Chiesa della Madonna dei Sette Dolori. It is dedicated to Maria SS. dei Sette Dolori and is regarded as a subsidiary church as well as an architectural heritage site. At the same time, the church serves as a spiritual point of reference for the local community.

In Gliaca di Piraino, the Museo del Viaggio is housed in a former post station belonging to the Denti noble family; it tells the story of travel through Sicily. The Torre Saracena was built for defence and to observe possible invaders approaching from the sea; from its strategic location, it overlooks a wide stretch of coastline. The Chiesa Madre e Catacombe contains a gilded wooden altar, a Sicilian organ dating from the 18th century and a crypt with mummified priests.

Views from the Hills to the Sea

The „La Pineta“ Suburban Park offers a viewpoint with panoramic views from the hills to the sea and the Aeolian Islands. Guardiola is a viewpoint outside the historic centre of Piraino, at an altitude of 380 metres, with panoramic views over the sea; it formerly served as an observation post with cannons aimed at the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Luminaria del Lacco and Religious Festivals

The Luminaria del Lacco commemorates a fire in which the statue of the Virgin Mary remained unharmed. During the Luminaria, the fire is re-enacted through images and music before more than 500 illuminated hot-air balloons rise into the night sky. The festival also includes the traditional „pignateddi“ games. Their tradition dates back to the time when a Basilian abbey stood on the site of today's church.

The Feast of the Addolorata in Contrada Lacco includes a Eucharistic celebration and a procession carrying the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Contrada.

Sicilian Specialities

During the Luminaria del Lacco, seasoned crushed olives and „carni 'nfurnata“ are offered for tasting. The Sicilian tradition of „carni 'nfurnata“ involves a slow preparation process that begins at 9 p.m. and ends at lunchtime the following day. Preparing tomato sauce is regarded as a Sicilian folk practice passed down through generations.

More Places for Planning Your Trip to Sicily

Other places you can include in your travel plans are Pistunina, Santo Stefano Di Camastra, Itala, Terme Vigliatore, Rodia, San Francesco Di Paola, Capo D'orlando and Graniti.

For the overarching travel overview: Messina.