Page 258 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

VARA AT MESSINA FERRAGOSTO

Highlights

1 Messina by night Climb the Via Panoramica to the floodlit sanctuary of Cristo Re
for magical views over the lights of the city and the Straits to mainland Italy.

2 Ferragosto The Vara, an opulent silver scaffolding mounted on iron skis showing
the Madonna ascending to Heaven, is hauled through the streets of Messina’s historic

centre.

3 Savoca This hill-village offers a gruesome set of mummified bodies and the chance
to scope out locations from The Godfather movies.

4 Teatro Greco, Taormina The island’s most dramatically sited classical theatre
makes a superb summer venue for concerts, films, opera and classical Greek dramas.

5 The Gole dell’Alcantara Wade through the water in the deep gorge of the Alcantara

River.

6 Castiglione di Sicilia Clustered below a castle, this mellow medieval village has a
gentle pace of life and great views of Etna.

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