Saracen Tower of Sant'Angelo di Brolo
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La Saracen Tower in Sant'Angelo di Brolo and Medieval complex, in fraction of Piano Croce (Metropolitan City of Messina) have a long history that begins before the XNUMXth century BC In the Byzantine era, in fact, the fortified building was already present on the hill, while the Tower was built during the period of Arab domination. Although the exact dates on which the buildings were built are not known, the entire complex can now boast centuries and centuries of life.
More detailed information can be found starting from the 3th century, such as the transfer of the complex by Count Ruggero d'Altavilla to the Bishop of Patti. About 1450 centuries later the building became the property of the Caldarera family, but in XNUMX it was destroyed by an earthquake and the Angotta and Amato families took care of the reconstruction.
The Caldarera family repurchased the Piano Croce complex in the XNUMXth century, providing for the fortification of the walls, although the building has never been completely rebuilt to date, while the Torre Saracena has become the property of the Municipality of Sant'Angelo di Brolo.
The architecture of the Saracen Tower of Sant'Angelo di Brolo and of the medieval complex
La Saracen Tower and the Medieval Complex of Sant'Angelo di Brolo they rise side by side on the plateau of Piano Croce, partially protected by a fortified wall and surrounded by vegetation.
Il Medieval complex it was rebuilt in the fifteenth century according to the structural dictates of the medieval era, but looks like a Baroque-looking building, decorated with floral motifs; the Saracen Tower has a square plan and rises for three floors. Also included in the complex Baronial Palace , Church of San Papin, as well as warehouses, guard quarters, secret passages, trap doors; the fortified walls have loopholes and drains from which arrows and boiling oil were thrown for the defense of the fort.
Inside the small church is buried Don Giuseppe Caldarera, a priest of the family that owned the fort in the XNUMXth century.
What to do near the Torre Saracena and the medieval complex of Sant'Angelo di Brolo and in the surroundings
A visit to the Saracen Tower and the Medieval Complex of Sant'Angelo di Brolo is interesting for adults and children, because the building, although not totally intact, still shows many of the characteristics of the medieval fortification. The Tower, well preserved, is also an important historical and at the same time artistic testimony.
The Medieval Complex of Sant'Angelo di Brolo, then, can become a fundamental stop on a tour to discover north-eastern Sicily: a journey to discover the coast, but also the hidden treasures in the hinterland.
From the Medieval Complex it is possible reach Brolo, a town on the Tyrrhenian coast 7 km from Piano Croce: Brolo has about 5.700 inhabitants, overlooks the sea, but surrounded by the Nebrodi chain behind it, offering you different natural landscapes ranging from the sea to the mountains; in the village you can walk in the ancient medieval village, visiting the Church of Maria SS. Announced, built in the XNUMXth century and home to remarkable works of sacred art.
Proceeding inland, you will arrive at the borders of Nebrodi Natural Park, the largest regional park on the island, where you can admire Mediterranean scrub, evergreen woods, beech woods and many other plant species, while among the animals that inhabit the park, you will probably be able to spot wild boars, foxes, weasels and many other inhabitants of the forest.
The Nebrodi are also famous for the production of excellent cured meats and cheeses to be eaten at the table: why not taste the black pig ham or the Nebrodi provola? Once you have tasted these, you will want to try them all and at the numerous farms in the area, you can buy all the local products at km 0, to take back home too.
How is it possible to get to Sant'Angelo di Brolo
The Saracen Tower and the Medieval Complex of Sant'Angelo di Brolo are located in the hamlet of Piano Croce, about 3 km from Sant'Angelo.
To get to the village, the route is simple both by car and by train: those who prefer to reach the village by car, can take the A20 Messina-Buonfornello to the exit for Brolo-Capo d'Orlando east, about 5 km from the centre, while those who prefer the train, you can get off at the Patti-San Piero Patti station, where you will find bus and shuttles to reach the village, about 8 km.
