Once the legendary landing place of the giants and today a paradise for relaxation by the sea, the hamlet of Rometta Marea is one of the coastal hamlets of northern Sicily, part of the Municipality of Rometta in the Metropolitan City of Messina, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea between the Strait of Messina and the Gulf of Milazzo.
Here, as legend has it, in the XNUMXth century AD the Saracen giants landed and conquered Messina. The legend also tells the controversial love story among the moor Ibn-Hammar known as Grifo and the Christian Martha, which led to the conversion of the Saracen and the foundation of the city of Messina.
Many centuries later, after the end of the Second World War, the hamlet of Rometta Marea became the main destination for many Sicilians who left the hinterland to find better living conditions along the coast: this is how the small center of Rometta Marea exploded, which today welcomes tourists with hotels and holiday homes overlooking the sea , restaurants for all tastes and places to have fun.
Sea, waterfalls, natural caves are among the main shows offered by nature in these areas, while in the town you will also find churches, sanctuaries and palaces to visit. There are many surprises, from culture to cuisine, that the hamlet of Rometta Marea reserves for its guests.
U Giants and Gigantissa
The most famous legend of the place is that of the giants: the landing on the banks of Rometta Marea took place in 965 AD led by the fierce Moor-giant Hassam Ibn-Hammar, who plundered the entire coast, up to the city of Messina, defeating the valiant resistance of the inhabitants. Soon terror spread from the coast to the hinterland and no one had the strength to oppose the giant.
No one, except a very tall and beautiful Sicilian girl of Christian faith, who conquered the Moor. Winning Marta's heart was probably her most difficult struggle for Hassam: the girl, intimidated by the stranger, hid with the help of her parents. But the giant didn't give up and converting to Christianity, he finally managed to marry his beloved giantess, giving life to a long lineage. According to some Sicilian legends, they were the same heirs of Hassam and Marta a found the city of Messina.
Rometta Marea and surroundings, the most beautiful places to visit
The hamlet of Rometta Marea is located on the northern coast of Sicily, about 12 km from the Municipality of Rometta. When you arrive in the village, you can stay in a hotel or apartment and many of the local houses overlook the beach, with beautiful terraces overlooking the sea.
The heart of the village is the neighborhood Two towers, which takes its name from the ancient coastal watchtowers. From here you can discover some of the area's attractions, such as the Lido Paguro Beach with its crystal clear waters, from which you can easily reach the Bauso Castle, sixteenth-century fortification that can be visited today; another beautiful beach along the coast is Lido Kamar, a bathing establishment with restaurant, also near a castle, the Spadafora Castle, very impressive especially in the evening.
Moving inland, you can admire the natural spectacle of Cataolo waterfalls along the course of the torrents Gualtieri, with gorges and jumps from 10 meters high. Not far away, there is iThe Sanctuary and Hermitage of Maria SS. by Crispino, a place of meditation surrounded by greenery, where you will be able to fully recharge your spiritual energies. Another interesting place of worship is the Sanctuary of Dinnammare, which can be reached by heading towards the east coast.
From Rometta Marea you can reach larger centers, such as Milazzo and Messina itself, to also discover the large cities of Sicily.
Milazzo was founded by the Greeks and saw the passing of Arab, Roman and then Spanish dominations: the history of the city can be found today in its monuments such as the Sanctuary of Sant'Antonio da Padova from the XNUMXth century, overlooking the sea and the Ancient Cathedral, built in the seventeenth century; among the civil buildings, the Villa Vaccarino and the Town Hall are just some of the most interesting buildings in the city.
Messina doesn't need much introduction, but we suggest you visit the Cathedral, the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani and the Forte Gonzaga.
On the tour, reserve a day also in the medieval village of Rometta, to discover its many ancient churches.
Traditions, festivals and typical dishes
Sicily always keeps its traditions alive, from religious festivals to table habits: in the hamlet of Rometta Marea religious festivals are celebrated such as the one in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua in the month of June or the Christmas celebrations with the Christmas markets, but attention is also paid to the environment, thanks to events such as those of the Festival of the Tree, the day dedicated to nature in the month of November.
At the table you will find excellent bread produced in local bakeries, fresh fish prepared according to the Messina tradition, such as snapper in crazy water or octopus salad, but also meat dishes such as the delicious stuffed chicken and Sicilian rolls. For a quick snack, you will find fried olives or panelle and crocchè, while every meal can be concluded with the fantastic Sicilian sweets, from the famous ricotta cannoli to the hazelnut spumette.
How to reach the hamlet of Rometta Marea
Rometta Marea is located just 21 km from Messina and can be easily reached by car, but there is no shortage of possibilities to arrive in the town by train.
If you travel by car, we advise you to choose the A20 Messina-Buonfornello, to take the Rometta exit directly, which is only 1 km from the centre. Those who prefer the train can get off at Milazzo Station or Messina Central Station, both less than 15 km from Rometta Marea. At the station you will find buses and shuttles that will take you to the centre.
If you want to discover some of the most beautiful areas of the Sicilian coast and hinterland, Rometta Marea is waiting for you to tell you the legends and traditions of the place!
