Reitano: Churches, Fountains and Finestra sul mare

Reitano combines churches with historical references, as well as historic fountains, stone structures and art, creating a varied townscape. The historical references are found not only in the churches, but also in fountains, a historic residential building with stone masonry and the Torre di Guardia as part of a former defense system. The structures and works include the Chiesa Madre “Madonna Immacolata,” the Chiesa della Madonna del Carmelo, the Fontana del Serrone, the Fontana del Carmine, Casa Gallo, the Torre di Guardia and Finestra sul mare.

Churches with Different Historical Traces

The Chiesa Madre “Madonna Immacolata” has medieval origins. Inside it is the Cappella di Sant’Erasmo. The main entrance is located on the town’s piazza. This entrance is a clear point of reference for finding your way around the town.

The Chiesa della Madonna del Carmelo is considered the oldest church in Reitano. It belonged to a Carmelite monastery and was decorated with various paintings from the 17th century. The church is located in a central area of the town; its main entrance opens onto a street that is easily accessible on foot. For an individual visit to Reitano, you can mark the Chiesa Madre “Madonna Immacolata” and the Chiesa della Madonna del Carmelo as focal points of the town’s church history.

Fountains, Masonry and Defense

The Torre di Guardia is a medieval monument that formed part of the local defense system. Today, the tower is a ruin. Casa Gallo is a historic residential building known for its stone masonry.

The connection between design and everyday life in the past is particularly evident in the fountains. The Fontana del Serrone is made entirely of cut and hand-worked stone. In the past, it served as a watering trough for animals. The Fontana del Carmine dates from the 18th century and has been restored. It is considered one of the most important sights in Reitano’s historic center. Anyone interested in historical details of everyday life in Reitano can consider the material and former use together at the Fontana del Serrone; at the Fontana del Carmine, the construction period and restoration can be considered separately.

Art on the Seafront Promenade of Villa Margi

La Finestra sul Mare is an installation conceived by Tano Festa for the Fiumara d’Arte park. The work “Monumento ad un poeta morto” is also known as “Finestra sul mare,” dates from 1989 and was created by the sculptor Tano Festa. It was installed on the seafront promenade of Villa Margi in the municipality of Reitano. Anyone interested in art can take the installation into account when planning an individual visit to Villa Margi.

Practical Guidance for Your Planning

The Chiesetta della Madonna delle Grazie has a special access situation: Access is mainly available during religious celebrations or special events such as local festivals and processions. Therefore, do not plan this visit like a sight that is accessible at any time.

Discover More Destinations

More travel destinations: Barcellona Pozzo Di Gotto, Rometta Marea, Alicudi Porto, Scaletta Marina, Graniti, Longi, Lingua and Canneto.

To the broader travel overview: Messina.