San Giorgio on the Gulf of Patti: Sea and Tonnara History

Location, Beach and Tonnara of San Giorgio on the Gulf of Patti

San Giorgio is located on the Gulf of Patti, east of the Rocca di Calavà. For spatial planning, the Gulf of Patti can be used as a coastal reference and the Rocca di Calavà as an eastern landmark. The history of San Giorgio is closely linked to its Tonnara.

Beach on the Tyrrhenian Sea

The beach of San Giorgio is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea and offers views of the Aeolian Islands. In front of the beach of San Giorgio is the area of the Ex Tonnara di San Giorgio di Gioiosa Marea, which is protected for its ethno-anthropological significance. The protected area therefore lies in front of the same beach that offers views of the Aeolian Islands. For geographical orientation along this coastal section, the sea, island group and Tonnara area can be considered thematic and spatial references.

The Tonnara as Part of the Local History

Tuna fishing in San Giorgio can be traced back to 27 June 1407. At that time, King Martin allowed the Orioles family to operate the Tonnara. Tuna fishing and the operation of the Tonnara are therefore among San Giorgio's early historical references.

Maritime Remains on the Beach

Large anchors, several floats and the remains of a large palischermo recall San Giorgio's former Tonnara tradition. The palischermo Santa Rita was built in 1933 by Stefano Provvidenti, a boatbuilder from Milazzo. In addition to the anchors, floats and remains, there is therefore also a palischermo with its own name, a specified year of construction and a boatbuilder known by name. This keeps the maritime history closely linked to specific objects and the craft of boatbuilding.

Church and Maritime Procession

The Chiesa di San Giorgio Martire was built by fishermen at the beginning of the 20th century. The fishermen adopted George of Cappadocia as the patron saint of the Chiesa di San Giorgio Martire. During a maritime procession, fishermen carry an image of Saint George on a boat, while numerous worshippers take part in the procession at sea. In this procession, Saint George, the fishermen, the boat and the sea appear together.

Museum and Green Space in San Giorgio

The Museo della Tonnara is located at Via A. Doria 4 in San Giorgio. San Giorgio also has a green space with a playground at Via Annarita Sidoti 9. For local planning, the two addresses can be noted separately: Via A. Doria 4 is the address of the Museo della Tonnara, while Via Annarita Sidoti 9 leads to the green space with playground.

More travel destinations: Acquacalda, Monforte Marina, Torregrotta, Scaletta Marina, San Piero Patti, Leni, San Marco D'alunzio, Fiumedinisi

For the higher-level travel overview: Messina.