Faro Superiore: Sanctuary, Architecture and Wine

Faro Superiore in Messina can be explored through its sacred sites, historical architectural heritage and Faro wine. If you are choosing a destination for your trip to Italy based on different interests, you will find several specific points of interest here: a sanctuary, a parish church, fortifications, a distinctive bell, as well as vineyards and wine cellars.

Sanctuary and Parish Church

The Santuario della Madonna della Guardia is a spiritual centre founded in 1920 in the village of Faro Superiore, among the green hills of Curcuraci. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta is the parish church of Faro Superiore and is located on Via Regina Elena. Its façade is notable for a central openwork rose window and a small, crenellated clock tower that serves as a bell tower. These two sacred sites offer different cultural and religious points of reference during your stay.

Historical Traces in Faro Superiore

The so-called “Castello del Duca” is an abandoned, dilapidated aristocratic residence decorated with frescoes. The Faro Superiore/Curcuraci defensive complex consists of three structures connected by a corridor. Le Casematte also bears witness to the area’s military history: the name refers to three small fortifications that served as accommodation for sentries and date from the First and Second World Wars. Another historical feature is the bell that rang by itself on a cold February night in 1554 and is still preserved in Faro Superiore today.

Wine Between Terraces and the Strait of Messina

The red wine Faro has a direct connection to the area: its production zone includes Faro Superiore in the northern hills above the Strait of Messina. The Bonavita vineyards are situated on terraces at an altitude of 250 to 300 metres and form a natural amphitheatre overlooking the Strait of Messina. Bonavita’s Faro DOC is made from a blend of 60% Nerello Mascalese, 30% Nerello Cappuccio and 10% Nocera.

The history of individual wine producers is also part of this picture. Santi Sofi began planting its first vines in Faro Superiore in 1950. The Le Casematte wine cellar has a panoramic tasting room. If you would like to organise your stay around regional wine, landscapes and local history, these specific places and products offer various points of reference for your planning.

Festivals and Weekday Connection

The festival in honour of the SS. Vergine della Guardia at the sanctuary is celebrated every year on 29 August. In addition, the festivities for Maria Santissima Assunta are scheduled to take place in Faro Superiore (Messina) from 24 August to 30 August 2026.

The weekday connection with Marotta is also relevant to your choice of location: ATM bus route 27 connects Marotta with Faro Superiore on weekdays. Anyone looking for a hotel in Faro Superiore can consider this connection as a specific point of reference when planning their trip.

Further destinations for orientation: San Pier Niceto, Longi, Furnari, San Marco D'alunzio, Mongiove, Letojanni, San Nicolò, Rodia

For the broader travel overview: Messina.