Archirafi Tower in Riposto

The sea, the coast, an ancient and mysterious watchtower and the fishing village di Archirafi Tower: we are at Ripon, in the metropolitan city of Catania, with an eye on the Ionian Sea, to discover the history of Torre Archirafi. It all began in the fourteenth century, when, according to the testimony of King Martin I of Sicily, "A Turri" had to be restored.

The ancient tower was located on the Mascali beach, between village of Torre Archirafi and the sea; it seems that a violent storm destroyed the traces of the ancient structure, but it is said that already in 1762, a new watchtower had been built in its place. At this point, however, the plots of the story thicken, giving life to a real mystery, because there are no historical testimonies that speak of a tower built precisely in that year and from an eighteenth-century painting, we know that in the eighteenth century the ancient tower was still in ruins.

Over time, the tower was partially swallowed up by the earth, due to the typical movements of volcanic soil. In the XNUMXth century, what remained of the tower was demolished to make way for the construction of a road along the coast, while in the second half of the last century a violent storm definitively eliminated all traces of the tower from the Mascali beach.

Alongside the mysterious tower, however, over the years the seaside village grew and prospered which, having arisen in the eighteenth century as a dukedom of the Ruffos, became an independent municipality in 1841.

Architecture and conformation of Torre Archirafi - Riposto

The village of Torre Archirafi, fraction of Riposto, takes its name from the tower that stood on the beach. The hamlet is organized around the ancient historic centre, characterized by two older buildings, namely the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario (Mother Church) and the Palace of the Natoli Princes.

The ancient Torre Archirafi stood on the beach, right in front of the Mother Church of the village.

What you can do at Torre Archirafi and in the surroundings of Riposto

Who is in holiday in Riposto can easily reach Torre Archirafi, to discover the mysterious history of the tower and explore the village.

The Mother Church of Torre Archirafi, built as a chapel, is today a nineteenth-century church, enlarged, restored and consecrated to the Madonna del Rosario; the other major attraction of the village is the Palazzo dei Principi Natoli, the eighteenth-century residence of Prince Francesco, overlooking the sea and famous for its arch, which has become the symbol of the village itself.

Walking between the historic center and the seafront, you can also admire other attractions, such as the Modò Tower, from the XNUMXth century (which suggests medieval or even older origins) and the small port, the pebble beaches and the wonderful deep blue of the sea.

Following the coast north for about 3 km, you reach the port of Riposto and you can continue to the centre, to discover all the beauties of this town. Here you will find several churches, such as the majestic one Saint Peter Basilica where we advise you to enter to admire the paintings and the late nineteenth-century pipe organ, the Abbey Church , Church of Maria SS. of Carmel.

Among the other most interesting buildings in the centre, we point out the Palazzo Comunale e Villa Pantano, to be discovered after taking a relaxing walk along the seafront.

Between Torre Archirafi and Riposto, you will find many restaurants and clubs to enjoy all the flavor of the local tradition: from tagliatelle with sea urchin pulp to cod, from swordfish to buffalo ribs, you will taste delicious meat and fish dishes, without forgetting the wonderful desserts typical of Sicily.

From Torre Archirafi you will arrive at Giarre in less than a quarter of an hour by car, while Catania it is only 31 km away. Here you will find Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, the Roman Theater and the Ursino Castle, among many attractions to spend a day full of wonders.

How to get to Torre Archirafi - Riposto

Torre Archirafi can be reached with the driving feel, turning at the exits for Giarre or Fiumefreddo from the A18 Palermo-Catania, or on the train, getting off at Giarre-Riposto station, just 3 km from the centre.

© Image by David Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons