Rometta between Byzantine History and the Norman Via Francigena

Rometta between the History of Routes and Sacred Buildings

Rometta is located on the Norman Via Francigena, on the section between the Nebrodi and the Peloritani Mountains. On the Norman Via Francigena, Rometta is highlighted for its necropolises. Thus, Rometta focuses on the connection between the history of routes and an archaeologically shaped past—a fascinating focus for travelers who want to discover Italy through culture, landscapes and historical traces.

Churches and a Fortified Town

The original structure of the Chiesa Madre di Santa Maria Assunta dates from the 11th century and, in Norman times, had a basilica-style layout with three naves and a transept. The Chiesa Bizantina dates from the 5th or 6th century. It is the only sacred building from the Byzantine period that has survived intact to the present day.

Porta Messina, also known as Porta Castello, was one of two entrances to the fortified town of Rometta. Recent excavations at Porta Messina uncovered the defensive structures that protected the entrance. The church building, gateway complex and necropolises provide different chronological and architectural points of reference for the town's history.

Historic Sites and a Costumed Procession

The Corteo Storico-Bizantino di Rometta consists of two costumed processions depicting Byzantines and Arab besiegers. Around Rometta are Villa Melania, a museum, Ruderi di una antica Badia, an ancient site, il Castellaccio, a castle, and Monte di Pietà, a palace. The cultural spectrum therefore ranges from sacred architecture and the history of fortifications to a museum, ancient site, castle and palace.

Mountains, Beaches and the Area around San Leone

Around Rometta are Monte Antennamare, a mountain, and Monte Poverello, a mountain. Spiaggia di Marmora and Riviera del Ringo are also nearby, each being a beach. The landscape can therefore be viewed through various natural points of reference, without mountains and coast merging into a single townscape.

A path through the area around Bosco di San Leone leads through a woodland consisting mainly of downy oaks and holm oaks. The nature-rich surroundings of Rometta include the Chiesa di San Leone and the former San Leone monastery.

Which Focuses Suit Your Trip

When choosing a hotel for Rometta, you can weigh different interests. The Norman Via Francigena, the necropolises, the churches and Porta Messina provide starting points for a cultural and historical stay; mountains, beaches and the woodland of Bosco di San Leone offer different accents. For your personal planning, consider whether history, landscape or the combination of both should be the main focus, and choose your accommodation according to your preferred daily rhythm.

Further Destinations

If you would like to combine your trip through Italy with other places: Vulcano Porto, Castel di Lucio, Taormina, Santa Marina Salina, Militello Rosmarino, Monforte Marina, Torregrotta and Castelmola.

For the higher-level travel overview: Messina.