Contrada Lacco – Sicilian tradition between hills and sea

Between Hillside Setting and Sea Views

Contrada Lacco is a hillside settlement at around 500 metres above sea level, shared between the municipalities of Brolo and Piraino. The area combines a peaceful rural setting with remarkable evidence of Sicily’s religious and everyday history. Those looking for more than just accommodation for their holiday, and also seeking a distinctive base for cultural discoveries, will find an environment where churches, viewpoints and living traditions are closely connected.

The road from Iannello to Lacco is already lined with olive trees. In Parco Suburbano “La Pineta”, panoramic views stretch from the hills to the sea and the Aeolian Islands. Guardiola lies outside Piraino’s historic centre at an altitude of 380 metres and also offers views over the sea. The viewpoint once served as an observation post with cannons aimed at the Tyrrhenian Sea. Torre Saracena likewise bears witness to coastal surveillance: it was built for defence and to observe possible invaders arriving from the sea; from its strategic position, a wide stretch of coastline can be surveyed.

Churches and Special Cultural Sites

Contrada Lacco is home to the Chiesa della Madonna dei Sette Dolori. Dedicated to Maria SS. dei Sette Dolori, it is listed as a subsidiary church and an architectural heritage site, and is regarded as a spiritual point of reference for the local community. The rural and peaceful surroundings are well suited to quiet reflection and prayer. For travellers visiting with their families and looking to combine different interests, the special appeal therefore lies in the blend of landscape, religious heritage and local stories – without reducing the area to a single attraction.

In Gliaca di Piraino, the Museo del Viaggio tells the story of travel through Sicily. It is housed in a former post station belonging to the noble Denti family. The Chiesa Madre e Catacombe offers another insight into the area’s religious history, with a gilded wooden altar, a Sicilian organ from the 18th century and a crypt containing mummified priests.

Luminaria del Lacco and Sicilian Specialities

One particularly distinctive tradition is the Luminaria del Lacco. It commemorates a fire in which the statue of the Virgin Mary remained unharmed. During the event, this story is recreated through images and music before more than 500 illuminated hot-air balloons rise into the night sky. The festival also includes the traditional “pignateddi” games. The tradition dates back to the time when a Basilian abbey stood on the site of today’s church.

Local cuisine is also part of this festival. Seasoned crushed olives and “carni 'nfurnata” are served. In this Sicilian tradition, the slow preparation begins at 9 p.m. and ends around midday the following day. The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows in Contrada Lacco also includes a Eucharistic celebration and a procession through the contrada with the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

For further orientation, you can also explore Santa Barbara, Rodia, Basicò, Alì, Roccalumera, Oliveri, Giardini Naxos and Scaletta Marina.

For the broader travel overview: Messina.