San Filippo Fragalà Monastery in Frazzanò

Between earth and sky, on top of mount castro, in municipality of Frazzano, Metropolitan City of Messina, stands the Monastery of San Filippo di Fragalà, a place to restore the spirit thanks to the tranquility and calm that reign over the Monastery.

Admiring the beauty of the place, the question arises as to which one it is history of the Monastery: it is necessary to go back centuries, to trace the origins of the complex, consecrated in 495 in San Filippo of Agira.
Under the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards, the walls of this sacred building expanded, the religious communities that populated it grew and decreased, until they abandoned the monastery before the unification of Italy.
The building was later renovated and became the object of in-depth studies which, begun in the XNUMXs, continue today thanks to the collaboration between Italian and foreign universities. From these researches, we know that originally the Monastery was inhabited by monks of the Basilian Order, that the Abbey was built with the help of the Count Roger in 1090 and that just a century later, the power of this monastery was such as to control many of the surrounding territories.

Today whoever arrives at the Monastery of San Filippo di Fragalà can breathe in the courtyards and cells of the complex, all the history and beauty of the place.

The architecture of the Monastery of San Filippo di Fragalà and the works that can be admired there

The Monastery is an ancient complex that stands on Monte Castro, about 700 meters above sea level. The Monte, which offers the view of the Nebrodi Park, is 3 km from the center of Frazzanò.

The structure has a square shape and along the north and south sides there are the monastic bodies, with the dormitory cells. The entrance is to the north and the large courtyard of the monastery is located in the center of this square. The whole building and walls are faced with stone and brick.

On the ground floor there are the warehouses, the guesthouse, the stables and the kitchens of the Monastery, while the Church can be found on the upper floor. Still climbing the stone staircase, you reach the first floor, with the monks' cells.

In the building it is possible to visit several rooms and exhibitions, concentrations or theatrical performances are periodically organized.

What to do in the Monastery of San Filippo di Fragalà and in the surrounding area

Those who arrive at the Monastery of San Filippo di Fragalà will be able to discover the long history of the Monastery, appreciating its architectural beauties and the splendid view offered by the complex.
The Monastery is located along the course of the Via Francigena, therefore it is possible to discover in these places also traits of history, geography and spirituality of the past.

Staying in Frazzanò you can visit theAbbey of Santa Maria Annunziata , Church of San Lorenzo, but the small town is also home to cultural and artistic events such as the Frazzanò Folk Fest, artistic event which supports the culture of the South and invites all tourists to discover it in the month of July.

From Frazzanò you can easily reach the beautiful beaches di Capo d'Orlando or Nebrodi Park, while those who love history and art can go to Brolo or Galati Mamertino, all destinations within 40 km of the town. In particular, we recommend that you also reach nearby destinations, such as the Roman Baths of Bagnoli, the Gallego Castle and the San Gregorio beach.

How is it possible to get to the Monastery of San Filippo di Fragalà

The Monastery, just 3 km from Frazzanò, can be easily reached in the car, from the A20 Messina-Buonfornello, taking the exit for Rocca di Capri Leone about 4 km from the village; travelers who prefer the train can get off at Sant'Agata Militello station and continue for the next 8 km by bus or shuttle.