Furnari – historic churches, coast and maritime experiences

Furnari between history and sea

Furnari is known for its historical landmarks, coastline and maritime experiences. Piazza Marconi offers a viewpoint overlooking Sicily’s northern coast. Tonnarella Beach is a destination for numerous tourists and holidaymakers in summer. The Monumento al Pescatore commemorates the maritime origins of the Tonnarella district. In Portorosa, renting and chartering boats, inflatable boats and yachts is an opportunity to explore Sicily. Red wine production is important in Furnari.

Churches with a layered history

The Chiesa di Gesù e Maria dates from the middle of the 15th century. In its original form, it features an Arab style and has an adjoining oratory. It also houses four paintings from the school of Polidoro da Caravaggio, dating from the second half of the 18th century. Different historical layers thus come together in this place of worship.

The Chiesa Madre was built in 1600 on the ruins of the castle of the Principi di Furnari. It houses a large wooden crucifix from the 16th century by an unknown artist. The present-day Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine and the former monastery, now used as the Palazzo Municipale, were built from 1547 onward. The Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine also contains a triptych from the school of Tommaso De Vigilia, dating from the second half of the 16th century.

A small chapel was built around 1400 on the site of the Chiesa di Sant'Antonio da Padova. One work in the church is attributed to De Matteo da Pozzo di Gotto and dated to 1836. The Chiesa di Sant'Antonio da Padova is accessible during religious celebrations.

Palaces, theater and castle remains

The Palazzo Marziani was built at the beginning of the 18th century; it contains a large and magnificent mosaic fresco. The Teatro Comunale was established in the 17th century by the Principi Mariziani, who converted a spacious warehouse next to their palace into a theater for this purpose. The Teatro Comunale has a capacity of 500 seats. The Torre Pagana is the only surviving structure of the ancient castle of Furnari, which was built by the Furnari family in the 13th century.

Getting there and planning your trip

You can reach Furnari via the A20 Messina–Palermo motorway and the Falcone exit. Regional trains stop at Novara-Montalbano-Furnari station. When choosing your hotel, you can determine the personal focus of your trip: historic buildings, coastal views, summer days at the beach, wine or maritime activities offer different ways to experience Furnari.

For further travel planning, you can also include Galati Mamertino, Mazzeo, Campogrande, Savoca, Misserio, San Nicolò, Fiumedinisi and Castel di Lucio in your plans.

For the broader travel overview: Messina.