Furnari is a small hill town in the Province of Messina, set in Val Demone where the Peloritani foothills slope towards the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its territory links an inland historic centre of narrow, winding streets with a coastal side between Capo Milazzo and Capo Tindari, facing the Aeolian Islands.
The town’s identity is closely tied to both feudal history and local legend. Its settlement history is generally linked to around 1300, when Filippo Furnari from Genoa founded the centre around a castle and became Baron of the fief of Furnari. Later, the fief passed into the orbit of the Marziani family, before Furnari became a municipality in the early 19th century after the abolition of feudalism in Sicily.
What gives Furnari its particular character is the memory of loyalty preserved in its civic symbol: a greyhound, three roses and the motto “Fin che venga”, recalling the legend connected with Roger II d’Altavilla. This blend of hillside village, sea-facing territory and a name rooted in feudal origins makes Furnari distinct within the Messina area.
Patron Saint:
St. Anthony of Padua (Sant’Antonio Da Padova) – 13 June
Nearest Airport:
Catania (Fontanarossa) – (138 km, 02:07)
Neighboring Cities:
_03_01_2020_02.jpg){kind=link}
Attractions in Furnari
Art and Architecture
Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce: Furnari’s mother church stands on the site chosen for the town’s castle. Its interior contains a painting of the Madonna del Rosario commissioned by Prince Marziani in 1776, a crucifix and an Ecce Homo statue attributed to Fra’ Innocenzo da Petralia, and a seventeenth-century pipe organ.
Chiesa della Madonna del Carmelo: This church preserves an nineteenth-century wooden statue of the Madonna del Carmelo. Above the high altar is a sixteenth-century triptych attributed to the school of the Palermo painter Tommaso De Vigilia.
Chiesa di Gesù e Maria: Built in honour of the Vergine del Soccorso, this church houses four eighteenth-century paintings. It also preserves the historic statue of the Addolorata used in the town’s September religious celebration.
Chiesa di Sant’Antonio da Padova: The church contains a statue of San Filippo di Agira and vault frescoes depicting miracles of Saint Anthony of Padua.
Beaches
Tonnarella: Furnari’s seaside hamlet is a bathing destination whose name recalls a former tuna fishery. A seafront urban park complements its beach setting.
Things to Do in Furnari
Traditional Events
Festa di Sant’Antonio: The traditional observance on 13 June includes a procession carrying the saint’s statue through Furnari. A further celebration is held in September.
Sagra dell’Olio: This July festival celebrates local olive oil with tastings and folk performances.
Festa della Madonna di Trapani: Tonnarella’s religious celebration traditionally falls on the second Sunday in August. A procession through the hamlet is followed by a procession at sea.
Sagra dell’Arancino: Held in August, this food festival brings arancini, music and entertainment to a town square.
Festa dell’Addolorata: Celebrated on 8 September, this feast centres on the Chiesa di Gesù e Maria. In the evening, the statue of the Virgin is carried through the town in procession.
Traditional Food
Nocera Wine: Wine is one of Furnari’s characteristic local products. The surrounding territory grows Nocera, a red grape variety associated with its winemaking tradition.
Practical Travel Information for Furnari
Arriving by Car: Leave the A20 Messina–Palermo motorway at Falcone. Continue along the SS113 towards Messina, then take the SP10 following signs for Furnari.