Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto is a large coastal town in the Messina area of northern Sicily, set on the Tyrrhenian Sea where a coastal plain meets streams, hillside districts and the lower slopes linked to the Peloritani watershed. Its identity is unusual from the start: the modern city grew from two historic centres on opposite sides of the Longano stream, each with its own origin before they were joined into one municipality.
Pozzo di Gotto was founded in 1463 by the noble Filippo Gotto, whose well gave the place its name, while Barcellona was founded by the Spanish in 1639 and named in honour of the Catalan city of Barcelona. The two centres were officially unified in 1835 by decree of Ferdinand II, King of the Two Sicilies, creating the combined name still used today.
The wider territory carries memories of many phases of Sicilian history, from prehistoric settlement to Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Spanish and Bourbon presences. Today, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto is defined by its coastal setting, strong religious and community traditions, and the distinctive story of two towns becoming one.
Patron Saint:
Saint Sebastian (San Sebastiano) – 20 January
Nearest Airport:
Catania (Fontanarossa) – (161 km, 02:01)
Neighboring Cities:
Castroreale, Merì, Milazzo, Santa Lucia del Mela, Terme Vigliatore
