Things to do in Basico' Italy – what to see attractions and activities

The megalithic area of Argimusco, the Sicilian Stonehenge, seems to be one of the few places on our planet where the powerful forces of nature focus to create a magical and ancestral atmosphere.

Inside is the statue of the black Madonna in cedar wood, a probable iconoclast symbol of successive centuries and of Eastern origin. This cathedral is characteristic for its location, being on a promontory overlooking the sea and above the acropolis itself. Every year, the feast dedicated to the Black Madonna is celebrated on 7 September.

Nestled on the highest point of Capo Tindari is an important archaeological area composed of the Greco-Roman Amphitheatre, remains of the market, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Aeolian Islands. From here you can enjoy a unique panorama overlooking the entire Gulf of Patti and the nature reserve of the salt lakes of “Marinello”.

The city walls existed only in sections not protected by the inaccessibility of the cliffs. At the beginning of the 3rd century BC, this structure consisted of a double vestment of squared blocks and with internal filling of stone. The walls were crossed by numerous drainage channels and posters.

The Greek Theatre of Tindari is supposed to have been built in the 4th century BC on a slope close to the sea. The excavations that brought him back to light date back to 1842. Like all Greek theaters it has perfect acoustics. Unfortunately, in the Imperial Age the Theater was used for circus games and after suffering damage its blocks were used for the reconstruction of the walls.

The museum was created on 20 August 2005 on the Church of S. Maria degli Angeli. The heritage of the Church has always been preserved and never made fully usable. Currently, only a few works and statues are shown. The collection is divided into four parts: the mystery of the Redemption, of the Incarnation, of the Eucharistic and the Church. Among the frescoes presented there is one by Antonello Riccio dated 1587: “S. Leonardo da Porto Maurizio” and one by Friar Simpliciano from Palermo: “S. Lorenzo” of the 16th century.

The Civic Museum is located in the former Oratory of the Filipino Fathers and has been open to the public since 1989. The building has been recently restored. Inside it is possible to admire works of art by artists from the province. Unfortunately, a strong earthquake in 1978 caused serious damage to the entire artistic heritage. The Municipality has taken steps to bring back all the finds in good condition and today it is possible to observe them here.

Gioiosa Guardia was a city built by Vinciguerra of Aragon as a fortress to defend pirate raids. At the end of the eighteenth century, due to the high seismicity of the territory, the city was abandoned. Today we can only admire the remains.