Discover Tripi: Archaeology, Trails and Churches

Tripi brings together archaeological remains, historic religious buildings and trails through a distinctive hilly landscape. Particularly impressive is the transition between the ancient world of Abakainon, the hilltop Castello di Tripi and the routes through forests and cultivated countryside. If you are looking for a place with different directions to explore during your trip, Tripi offers both specific cultural attractions and trails with wide views over the Tyrrhenian coast.

Abakainon: Necropolis and Archaeological Museum

In the Cardusa district, the Necropoli di Tripi preserves evidence of the ancient city of Abakainon. The necropolis includes around 80 generally well-preserved tombs dating from between the late 4th and early 2nd centuries BC; some burial sites are particularly monumental. The archaeological area of Abakainon is regarded in Tripi as an archaeological park that can be visited and is accessible to interested visitors.

A valuable addition is the Museo Archeologico Santi Furnari di Tripi. The interactive museum displays exclusively artefacts from the Necropolis of Abakainon. Opening hours must be confirmed by telephone. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the excavation site with a museum-based examination of its finds, without the two places offering the same perspective on the history.

Elevation, Views and Trails

The Castello di Tripi stands at 610 m above sea level at the highest point of a ridge separating the Tallarita and Mazzarrà streams. From this elevated position, the view stretches across the Tyrrhenian coast from Tindari to Milazzo and onward to the mountains inland. The historic route from Tripi leads to the Castello di Tripi and offers views of the Gulf of Milazzo, Tindari and the Aeolian Islands.

The origins of the castle have not been clearly established. The only document said to mention a medieval fortress at this site is a text by the geographer Idrisi dated 1154. Access is via Via Pianolo; the final section, approximately 1 km long, follows an unpaved road on foot. This makes the route distinctly different from the approach to the necropolis.

Another route is the archaeological trail from Campogrande, which leads to the Necropoli di Tripi. The naturalistic route from Tripi follows the Tallarita trail to ancient rock wine presses dating from the 14th century, the Rocca Tallarita and the Grotta di San Cono. It then continues through more than three kilometres of forest. The different routes therefore have different focuses: archaeology, historic viewpoints, or a landscape shaped by woodland and distinctive traces of culture.

Churches and Living Tradition

The Chiesa Madre di San Vincenzo Martire di Spagna preserves part of the saint’s skull as well as an old terracotta bust of the Madonna del Capello. After the 1908 earthquake, the church was partially rebuilt, while the bell tower has retained its original appearance. On the first Sunday in September, the Processione di San Vincenzo takes place: the saint’s statue is carried through the streets of Tripi by bearers and accompanied by a band.

Other religious buildings add to the historic character of the town. The Chiesa della S.S. Trinità dates from the 16th and 17th centuries, while the Chiesa dell’Annunziata dates from the 17th century. The Chiesa di San Biagio has been classified as a “bene monumentale” by the competent heritage authority. A culturally focused trip can therefore reveal a succession of different architectural periods and religious heritage sites.

Practical Information for Your Visit

The Necropoli di Tripi can be reached by car via the SS113 or the A20, taking the Falcone exit. From there, follow the SP102 towards Campogrande and the SP115 to Via Alcide De Gasperi. After 1.3 km, a sign points left to the necropolis. Those who wish to explore the area on foot can consider the archaeological trail from Campogrande or the historic route to the Castello di Tripi as different starting points. For the museum, you should confirm the opening hours by telephone in advance.

Compare Other Destinations

If you would like to compare other destinations for your Sicily trip alongside Tripi, you can also find Galati Mamertino, Floresta, Militello Rosmarino, Campogrande, Mongiuffi, Basicò, San Fratello and Brolo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Messina.