Sanctuary of Calvaruso in Villafranca Tirrena

Il Sanctuary of Calvaruso: Sanctuary of Jesus Ecce Homo in Villafranca Tirrena, is located in the Metropolitan City of Messina. The building was built in 1619, but fell into disrepair after an initial success.

The Sanctuary of Calvaruso was reborn in the mid-twentieth century, when the Franciscan Friars started various activities at the Convent for the boys of the town: they spread the cult of Ecce Homo and established the Seminar, so that young people wishing to undertake religious life could have a reception center and spiritual preparation. Thus it was that the complex of the Sanctuary, hitherto in a state of abandonment, rose to new life. It became the religious heart of Sicily, still today renowned for its importance. Over time it also became a welcoming place for pilgrims and an important center for the spirituality of the faithful and religious communities who still turn to it today.

The architecture of the Sanctuary of Calvaruso in Villafranca Tirrena

The Sanctuary of Calvaruso stands on a hill, surrounded by greenery, with its large two-story structure. At the center of the complex stands the beautiful chapel of Baroque, which houses the wooden statue of Ecce Homo.

Among the sacred furnishings we mention the high altar with the tabernacle decorated with small columns and niches, the canvas depicting Santa Margherita d'Antiochia Patroness of Calvaruso and the pipe organ. Of particular beauty is the Cloister overlooked by the monks' cells, while in the complex you will also find the Museum, Library and outside the building, the House of Spirituality, for all those who wish to experience a spiritual retreat.

What to do at the Sanctuary of Calvaruso and in the surroundings

By visiting the Sanctuary of Jesus Ecce Homo in Villafranca Tirrena, you can discover all the artistic beauties of the Convent, the works of art and the history of the place; the Sanctuary also offers you the possibility of having a spiritual experience of recollection, in the specially dedicated building.

At the Sanctuary, therefore, you can regenerate yourself and then set off to discover the surroundings: in Villafranca Tirrena you can find a welcoming hotel or holiday home, to start your tour right from the village. There Mother Church is the one dedicated to San Nicolò of Bari, a XNUMXth-century building which houses even older works, such as the XNUMXth-century cross; among other cult buildings you will come across the Church of the Madonna dei Cerei , Church of San Gregorio Magno, while among the military architectures of the area, we suggest you visit the Bauso Castle, with its beautiful gardens.

From Villafranca Tirrena the sea can be reached in a few minutes and you can immediately lie down in the sun on the beautiful beach white beach of Villafranca, or head towards Rometta Marea, Spadafora or Fondachello with their wonderful beaches.
With a journey of just 23 km you will be in Milazzo, where you can visit the town, the port and the entire promontory, which will take you up to the splendid Piscina di Venere. From the port, ferries leave for the Aeolian Islands.

Your vacation in Sicily deserves only the best: here then we suggest you stop at the local farms and in restaurants where you can discover all the local flavours and genuine. For those who love meat, we recommend sweet and sour rabbit and Sicilian rolls, while if you prefer fish, order the soup with very fresh fish; the vermicelli alla siciliana are finally a first course to try absolutely. As a dessert, cassata and cannoli are a must-have classic in Sicily.

How to get to the Sanctuary of Calvaruso

Villafranca Tirrena is located in the Metropolitan City of Messina and can be easily reached by car or train.

By car:, on the A20 Messina-Buonfornello there are two useful exits to reach Villafranca: Rometta and Villafranca Tirrena, both less than 2 km from the centre. By train, the closest station is Messina Centrale, just 12 km away, connected by bus and shuttles to the town.

Once in Villafranca, you can go back up to the Sanctuary with a 3,7 km journey.