Discover Naso

Naso brings together a medieval historic center in the Nebrodi mountains, sacred art, museums, and a nature trail. A walk through the town center offers views of the Aeolian Islands, the Nebrodi mountains, and Mount Etna.

Historic Center and Architecture

The Chiesa Madre SS Apostoli Filippo e Giacomo dates back to the Middle Ages. From the 17th century to the first half of the 20th century, it was expanded and remodeled. Its basilica layout comprises three naves, separated by a monumental Doric colonnade made of local stone. The architecture thus combines a long building history with a clearly structured interior.

The Teatro Vittorio Alfieri is also part of the historic townscape: it stands at Naso’s main entrance on a section of the old castle walls and is dedicated to the writer Vittorio Alfieri. The cloister of the Monastery of the Frati Minori Osservanti offers another panorama, including views of the Aeolian Islands.

Museums, Art, and Crafts

The Museo Arte Sacra is located in the Catacombe di San Cono, which are structurally connected to the Tempio di San Cono above. It displays liturgical furnishings from Naso’s old churches. The exhibition route covers around 260 m² and comprises four sections. These include woodwork and majolica associated with the majolica artisans who worked in Naso from the 15th to the 17th century.

At the Pinacoteca Tano Santoro, a permanent painting exhibition is dedicated to the contemporary artist Tano Santoro. The rooms on the ground floor are equipped for people with disabilities. If you are planning a visit, check current access arrangements in advance. The Museo Arte e Mestieri del Territorio devotes its four sections to woodworking, grape harvesting, traditional crafts, and tailoring. For schools, the program includes educational workshops as well as guided tours of the exhibition. Leatherworking is also part of Naso’s traditional craft heritage.

The Biblioteca Comunale Carlo Incudine holds a valuable collection of old books: the texts date from the late 16th century to the end of the 19th century. Alongside art and crafts, the history of books is another distinct cultural focus in the town.

San Cono and Naso’s Festivals

The Tempio di San Cono Abate stands on the site of the former church of San Michele Arcangelo. According to tradition, Naso’s patron saint spent the last years of his life there in a grotto. The annual Festa di San Cono brings together faith, tradition, culture, music, and entertainment, and is intended for worshippers and tourists. As part of the celebration, the relics and simulacrum of San Cono are solemnly carried from the temple to the Chiesa Madre.

Another named site associated with religion is the Fontana U Criatu. It is located near the hermitage of San Cono Navacita in the Rocca D’Almo district of Naso.

The Iapri Fest also brings together a range of cultural offerings. Its fourth edition took place from July 18 to 20, 2025, and lasted three days; the program featured music, art, and creativity. The “Iapri Food” area included tastings, show cooking, and flavor workshops, focusing on typical Sicilian products and local specialties. This information refers to the 2025 edition.

Nature Trail and Getting There

For those looking to add a trekking route alongside the cultural sites, “Le 4 strade” is an 8 km nature loop. It starts and ends in Bazia. Check local conditions before setting out. The route offers a different way to spend your time than focusing on architecture and collections.

When traveling by road from Messina, the route follows the ME-PA motorway to the Brolo exit. It then continues along the SS 113 toward Palermo until the turnoff, 6 km away, onto the SS 116 toward Capo d’Orlando and Randazzo. Check road conditions and the route before setting out. By train, travel via the Palermo–Messina line to Capo d’Orlando–Naso station; check current timetables before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Capo D'orlando, Galati Mamertino, Pettineo, Tindari, Tripi, Alcara Li Fusi, Castello, Ginostra.

Go to the main travel overview: Messina.