Faro Superiore between Sanctuary, Wine and History

Faro Superiore combines religious tradition, traces of history and the winegrowing tradition of the northern hills above the Strait of Messina. Those who want to combine a trip to Sicily with cultural discoveries and regional enjoyment will find a range of themes here to incorporate into their planning. The choice of accommodation can be based on whether you primarily want to experience festivals, churches, history or the wine landscape.

Sanctuaries and Landmark Buildings

An important place in the town is the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta on Via Regina Elena. It is the parish church of Faro Superiore. Its façade is notable for a central openwork rose window and a small clock tower topped with battlements, which serves as a bell tower. The church therefore also offers a specific point of interest for travelers interested in religious architecture and local townscapes.

The Santuario della Madonna della Guardia is a spiritual center founded in 1920 in the village of Faro Superiore, among the green hills of Curcuraci. The sanctuary is associated with an annual recurring event: the festival in honor of the SS. Vergine della Guardia is celebrated on August 29. In addition, the celebrations of Maria Santissima Assunta in Faro Superiore (Messina) were scheduled for the period from August 24 to 30, 2026.

The history of the town also reveals different facets. The so-called “Castello del Duca” is an abandoned, dilapidated aristocratic residence with fresco decoration. The Faro Superiore/Curcuraci defensive complex consists of three structures connected by a corridor. A special tradition surrounds the bell that is said to have rung by itself on the cold February night of 1554 and is still kept in Faro Superiore today. Le Casematte takes its name from three small fortifications that served as quarters for sentries and date from the First and Second World Wars.

Vineyards with Views of the Strait of Messina

The local character of Faro Superiore is closely linked to winegrowing. The production area of Faro red wine includes Faro Superiore in the northern hills above the Strait of Messina. At Bonavita, the vineyards lie on terraces at an altitude of 250 to 300 meters. They form a natural amphitheater overlooking the Strait of Messina. This landscape complements the cultural themes with a regional culinary dimension.

Bonavita’s Faro DOC is made from a cuvée of 60 % Nerello Mascalese, 30 % Nerello Cappuccio and 10 % Nocera. Those interested in the development of winegrowing will also find the information that Santi Sofi began the first vine plantings in Faro Superiore in 1950. The Le Casematte winery has a panoramic tasting room. When planning your accommodation, it may therefore be useful to decide on your preferred focus: Would you primarily like to explore religious and historic sites, or combine your stay more closely with wine and the landscape?

Arrival and Further Travel Planning

ATM bus route 27 connects Marotta with Faro Superiore on weekdays. This connection can be taken into account when planning if you do not want to organize your arrival and choice of accommodation exclusively by car. For families and travel groups with different interests, Faro Superiore offers several topics for discussion: a church façade and sanctuary stand alongside defensive structures, a historic bell and winegrowing, without all travelers having to choose the same focus.

For further travel planning, you can also consider these places: Gallodoro, Rinella, San Marco D'alunzio, Rodi Milici, Reitano, Calvaruso, Taormina, Calavà.

To the main travel overview: Messina.