Discover Furnari: churches, art and coast

Furnari combines architectural and art history with views of Sicily’s northern coast and Tonnarella’s summer beach. A viewpoint in Piazza Marconi offers views of the northern coast. In the Tonnarella district, the beach is a destination for many tourists and holidaymakers in summer. This gives you different themes to consider when planning your trip: historic churches and buildings, views and a seaside stay.

Churches, art and architectural history

The Chiesa di Gesù e Maria features an Arab style in its original form and has an adjoining oratory. The church also contains four paintings from the school of Polidoro da Caravaggio. They date from the second half of the 18th century. The building’s design, oratory and paintings offer different insights into the history of this church.

The Chiesa Madre is another historic landmark. It was built in 1600 on the ruins of the castle of the Principi di Furnari. The church preserves a large wooden crucifix from the 16th century; its creator is unknown. Thus, the work’s size and age are known, but it has not been attributed to an artist.

The present-day Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine and the former convent, now used as the Palazzo Municipale, were built starting in 1547. The church contains a triptych from the school of Tommaso De Vigilia, dating from the second half of the 16th century. The former convent’s current use is another aspect of the area’s architectural history: the building now serves as the Palazzo Municipale.

The Palazzo Marziani was built in the early 18th century and houses a large, splendid mosaic fresco. The Teatro Comunale has a capacity of 500 seats. Its history dates back to the 17th century, when the Principi Mariziani had a spacious warehouse next to their palace converted into a theatre. Furnari’s stately palace and theatre, with its clearly documented origins, thus represent different aspects of local architectural history.

Another trace of the past is the Torre Pagana. It is the only surviving structure of the ancient castle of Furnari, built by the Furnari family in the 13th century. The Chiesa di Sant’Antonio da Padova also has an early history: a small chapel was built on its site around 1400. A work in the church is attributed to De Matteo da Pozzo di Gotto and dated to 1836. The church is accessible during religious celebrations; take this access arrangement into account when planning your visit.

Views, beach and maritime connections

The views from Piazza Marconi and Tonnarella’s beach offer different highlights: here, the focus is on views of Sicily’s northern coast; there, on a summer stay at the beach. The Monumento al Pescatore commemorates the maritime origins of the Tonnarella district. Red wine production is also significant in Furnari, though no specific producers or tasting opportunities are mentioned.

Portorosa offers boat, dinghy and yacht rentals and charters for exploring Sicily. If this suits your travel plans, check availability before your trip. The different types of boats offer various ways to explore the island from the water.

Getting there and finding a hotel

Furnari is accessible via the A20 Messina–Palermo motorway and the Falcone exit. Regional trains stop at Novara-Montalbano-Furnari station. Check route information and timetables before departure to make sure your journey suits your plans.

If you are looking for a hotel in Furnari, use the reason for your trip as a starting point: the churches and buildings appeal to those interested in history and art, while the views and summer beach cater to other interests. When choosing, check the location and amenities listed for each hotel.

Discover more destinations: Tortorici, Chianchitta-pallio, Castello, Ficarra, Sorrentini, Roccavaldina, Contrada Lacco, Militello Rosmarino.

For the main travel overview: Messina.