The Ciavole Tower in Piraino

Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Torre delle Ciavole in Piraino protrudes from the rock. In the Metropolitan City of Messina, in Sicily, the small town of about 3.800 inhabitants is located in Gliaca, the town's Marina, where the Torre delle Ciavole is one of the main attractions of the place.
Built in the XNUMXth century, the Tower was one of the neighbour's observation posts Brollo Castle, manned day and night by soldiers who had to give the alarm in case of sighting of the enemy.

The history of the Tower is linked to pirate adventures and princely legends, which saw the keep transformed from time to time from an observatory to a prison, for pirates who arrived on large vessels or for lovers fleeing on a small boat.

The legend of Mary La Bella it really speaks of the princess of Brolo, who fled with her lover, but then discovered and locked up by the family in the Ciavole Tower in Piraino. According to a more dramatic version of this story, the two lovers were buried alive in the tower and the ciaule still reproduce their voices and lamentations today.

Beyond the legend, the Tower probably owes its name to the birds, above all jays and crows, which make their nests between the loopholes and the rocks of the building.

The architecture of the Ciavole tower in Piraino and what it houses

The Torre delle Ciavole in Piraino is located on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. It has a square plan and is spread over two floors in height. The upper part, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, it consists of a large terrace.
The entire ancient building is clad in stone, while inside is kept the bell with which the soldiers on lookout gave the alarm in case of sighting of pirates. Compact and fortified, the tower has an entrance on the ground floor and several small windows on the upper floors.

Although the interior of the Tower cannot currently be visited due to damage caused by erosion, the Tower can be reached thanks to a steep stone staircase which flanks the promontory or from the corridor which constitutes the natural extension of the promontory itself.

What to do at the Ciavole tower in Piraino and its surroundings

Even if it is not possible to enter the tower, it can be admired from the outside, thus enjoying a fantastic point of view on the maritime panorama, which is located right in front of the tower. Here you can take a walk in the open air before returning to the village.

The history of Piraino, ancient Greek colony of the XNUMXth century BC can be reconstructed by visiting the main attractions of the town, including, in addition to the Torre della Ciavole, also the Saracen Tower in the center and the Guardiola, terrace overlooking the sea; also the Palazzo Ducale, the Mother Church and the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina are buildings that deserve a stop during your stay in Piraino.
To relax, in these parts, one goes to the Pineta Comunale, where it is not uncommon to meet the inhabitants of the village who gather for a picnic and where even visitors can stop for a lunch, a dinner, or even a snack outdoors : don't forget to taste the local cured meats and cheeses, accompanied by the local oil and wine, while to end the meal on a sweet note, here you can find almonds, hazelnuts and above all honey.

Your holiday in Sicily continues, offering you many attractions, both natural and architectural: how can you not think about spending a few hours on the beach? Gliaca is the Marina of Piraino and here is the town's beach just a few steps from the Tower, but for those who also want to visit some other seaside resort on the beautiful island, they are spoiled for choice; Gioiosa Marea is only 13 km away, while Capo d'Orlando can be reached after a journey of about 21 km in a westerly direction.

Those who also want to admire other important historical places in Sicily can go from Piraino to Patti and Tindari, towards Gioiosa Marea, to visit the Roman Villa of Patti and the Archaeological Area of ​​Tindari; also the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna around here it is an important pilgrimage destination and art lovers will find a great monument to religion and beauty.

The entire coastal stretch that goes from Gioiosa Marea to Capo d'Orlando, therefore, offers visitors incredible attractions, all to be seen by choosing the Torre delle Ciavole in Piraino as a starting point.

How to get to the Ciavole tower in Piraino

Piraino, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, is about 90 km from the Strait and visitors to Sicily can easily reach the town by car or train.
By car, take the A20 Messina-Buonfornello and continue until the exit for Brolo-Capo d'Orlando Est, from where you can reach the center in about 3 km; those who prefer to travel by train can get off at the Patti-S.Piero Patti station, about 10 km from the town and can reach the center by bus or private shuttle.