Naso: Medieval Centre, Museums and Panoramas

The historic centre of Naso is a medieval village in the Nebrodi. The tour through the historic centre offers views of the Aeolian Islands, the Nebrodi side and Mount Etna.

Churches, Sacred Art and Local History

The Chiesa Madre SS Apostoli Filippo e Giacomo was built in the Middle Ages and expanded and remodelled from the 17th century to the first half of the 20th century. Its basilica layout with three naves is structured by a monumental Doric colonnade made of local stone.

The Museo Arte Sacra is located in the Catacombe di San Cono, which are structurally connected to the Tempio di San Cono above. On display are liturgical furnishings from the old churches of Naso. The exhibition route covers approximately 260 m² and comprises four sections. These include woodwork and majolica items associated with the majolica craftsmen active in Naso from the 15th to the 17th century.

The Tempio di San Cono Abate stands on the site of the former Church of San Michele Arcangelo. According to legend, the patron saint of Naso spent his final years in a grotto in this church. The Fontana U Criatu is located near the San Cono Navacita hermitage in the Rocca D’Almo district of Naso.

Art, Crafts and Historical Collections

The Pinacoteca Tano Santoro presents a permanent exhibition of paintings dedicated to the contemporary artist Tano Santoro. The rooms on the ground floor are equipped with facilities for people with disabilities. The Teatro Vittorio Alfieri is dedicated to the writer Vittorio Alfieri. It is located at the main entrance to Naso, on part of the old castle walls.

The cloister of the monastery of the Frati Minori Osservanti offers a panorama that also includes the Aeolian Islands. In the Museo Arte e Mestieri del Territorio, the exhibits are divided into four sections covering woodworking, grape harvesting, traditional crafts and tailoring. In addition to guided tours of the exhibition, the museum offers schools educational activities in the form of workshops. Traditional leatherworking is also particularly prominent in Naso. The Biblioteca Comunale Carlo Incudine holds a valuable collection of old books with texts dating from the late 16th century to the end of the 19th century.

Routes, Festivals and Sicilian Specialities

The “Le 4 strade” trekking route is an 8 km circular nature trail that begins and ends in Bazia. The annual Festa di San Cono brings together faith, tradition, culture, music and entertainment and is aimed at believers and tourists. During the festival, the relics and the simulacrum of San Cono are ceremonially transferred from the temple to the Chiesa Madre.

The Iapri Fest took place for the fourth time between 18 and 20 July 2025; previous editions had already been held. The fourth edition lasted three days and featured music, art and creativity. The “Iapri Food” area includes tastings, show cooking and flavour workshops highlighting typical Sicilian products and local specialities.

Getting to Naso

By road, Naso can be reached from Messina via the ME-PA motorway and the Brolo exit. The route then continues along the SS 113 towards Palermo; after 6 km, the SS 116 branches off towards Capo d’Orlando and Randazzo. By rail, Naso can be reached via the Palermo–Messina line and Capo d’Orlando–Naso railway station.

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To the higher-level travel overview: Messina.