Furnari: Churches, Art and Tonnarella Beach

Views and Culture in Furnari

Piazza Marconi offers a viewpoint overlooking Sicily’s north coast. In summer, the beach in the district of Tonnarella is a destination for many tourists and holidaymakers. In Furnari, expansive coastal views and a seasonal beach scene sit side by side. This gives you an initial comparison for planning your trip: you can focus on the view from Piazza Marconi, Tonnarella Beach or the town’s architectural history.

Churches, Art and Architectural History

The Chiesa di Gesù e Maria dates from the mid-15th century. Its original form is in the Arab style, and an oratory is attached to the church. Four paintings from the school of Polidoro da Caravaggio date from the second half of the 18th century. The gap in time between the original architectural form and the later paintings brings together different periods of art and architectural history at this site.

The Chiesa Madre was built in 1600 on the ruins of the castle of the Principi di Furnari. It preserves a large wooden crucifix from the 16th century by an unknown artist. The present-day Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine and the former monastery were built from 1547 onwards; the former monastery is now used as the Palazzo Municipale. The church houses a triptych from the school of Tommaso De Vigilia, dating from the second half of the 16th century.

Other buildings also tell the story of Furnari. Torre Pagana is the only surviving structure of the ancient castle of Furnari, built in the 13th century by the Furnari family. Palazzo Marziani was built at the beginning of the 18th century and contains a large, magnificent mosaic fresco. The Teatro Comunale was established in the 17th century by the Principi Mariziani, who converted a spacious warehouse beside their palace into a theatre. It has a capacity of 500 seats.

A small chapel was built on the site of the Chiesa di Sant'Antonio da Padova around 1400. A work in the church is attributed to De Matteo da Pozzo di Gotto and dated to 1836. The Chiesa di Sant'Antonio da Padova is open during religious celebrations; plan your visit around this access.

Maritime Connections and Local Highlights

The Monumento al Pescatore commemorates the maritime origins of the district of Tonnarella. In Portorosa, boats, inflatable boats and yachts are available for rental and charter to explore Sicily. Check availability before your trip. Red wine production is also important to Furnari.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

Furnari can be reached via the A20 Messina–Palermo and the Falcone exit. Regional trains stop at Novara-Montalbano-Furnari station. Check the route and train connections before your trip if you are considering these ways of getting there.

First, consider which of these sides of Sicily interests you most. This will help you tailor your search for a hotel in Furnari to the kind of trip you want, without making any one experience the standard for everyone.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Floresta, Santa Domenica Vittoria, Ginostra, Fiumedinisi, Messina, Gaggi, Venetico, Quattropani

For the wider travel overview: Messina.