The Guardhouse in Piraino

In Piraino, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Messina, the Guardiola was already a strategic point from which to observe the coast of the island in the 400th century: in fact, here stood an ancient fortress perched on a hill almost XNUMX meters above sea level. Today the Guardiola in Piraino is a beautiful lookout on which you can take romantic walks or look at the sea from above, touched only by the sea breeze.

The transformation of this observatory, from military fortress with panoramic viewpoint, took place over the centuries: the original fort was demolished, during the first years of the twentieth century it was replaced by a portico with three arches and then, also demolished, we arrived at the current panoramic terrace, protected by a balustrade which runs along the perimeter overlooking the sea.
As a reminder of the military function performed at this point of view, a cannon, now removed, sounded the alarm in emergencies.

The architecture of the guardhouse in Piraino

The Guardiola in Piraino today looks like a terrace overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, overlooking the Aeolian Islands, between Capo Milazzo and Capo d'Orlando. From here the view can embrace the entire Gulf and is particularly impressive even at night, when the light from the street lamps illuminates the belvedere.
Overhanging the Tyrrhenian Sea, it is accessed from a small narrow road between two low walls, to look out over the white balustrade that protects visitors, or to sit on the benches and admire the sea.

Semi-oval in shape, today the terrace is free from buildings and the benches rest directly on the brick, while the three-arched structure that was found in the middle of the square during the Fascist period has been removed, replaced by a large iron and glass table. Symbolically, the terrace is accessed by passing under a thin wrought iron arch.

What to do at the Piraino guardhouse

The Guardiola in Piraino is a place that can appear adventurous and romantic, solitary or crowded, depending on the moment and the spirit of the observer; people go here as a couple for a romantic walk overlooking the sea or with children, to show them the beauties of nature; the evening show is even more fascinating for those who want to get lost in the depths of the sea without taking any risks.

La Guardiola can be reached on foot, by bike or even by motorbike; therefore, it is the perfect place for those who want to take a scenic break after intense physical activity. The beauty of the place and the presence of the wooden benches also invite small groups for a break to chat, perhaps before deciding how to spend the rest of the day.

From the Guardiola, then, you can plan a day of vacation full of attractions: starting from Piraino, you can visit the numerous churches of the town, but also the Saracen Tower which is located in the center or the Ciavole Tower Along the coast. Also interesting for a stop is the Palazzo Ducale where the baiulo, an official with jurisdictional powers, resided. Among the religious buildings, in addition to the Mother Church, it is recommended that you visit the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina and for those who love nature, a short stop in the pine forest is ideal, even for those traveling with children.

From Piraino you can easily reach Brolo (just 12 km away) where you can admire the castle or spend a few hours on the beautiful beach of San Gregorio, heading west. Towards Milazzo, on the other hand, one immediately encounters the Tone Cave, about 6 km away, which can be discovered by booking a guided tour.

Those who love archeology will undoubtedly not want to give up a stop in Patti and Tindari, given the short distance that separates these two interesting archaeological centers from Piraino.

At 21 km from the town, there is Patti, the largest municipality where the Roman Villa of the 30th century AD is located, which can be visited and is full of ancient treasures, while going a little further, at XNUMX km, you reach Tindari, a famous archaeological area on the coast Tyrrhenian coast of Sicily, where you can also visit the Greek Theater.
Those who have a longer stay available can dedicate a few hours of travel to the road to get to the Nebrodi Park or the Etna Park, where you can go hiking and adventurous outdoor activities.

An unmissable appointment for those who are in Sicily is the one with gastronomy: a small tip for those who are in the area around Piraino is to taste the local honey, together with the cheeses and cold cuts typical of these parts.

How to get to the guardhouse in Piraino

Piraino, a small town populated by almost 4.000 inhabitants in the Metropolitan City of Messina, is located along the Tyrrhenian coast of the island and is about 90 km from the Strait. Reaching the town is easy, both for those traveling by car and for those who choose the train.
From the A20 Messina-Buonfornello motorway, motorists can take the Brolo-Capo d'Orlando Est exit and arrive in the center after a journey of just 3 km. Travelers who choose the train can get off at the Patti-S.Piero Patti station and continue by bus for a further 10,3 km.