Beautiful glimpse of the sea in Capo D'Orlando, Messina
Capo D'Orlando is one of the most renowned seaside resort in Sicily. Located in the northern part of the island, in the province of Messina, Capo d'Orlando (formerly called Agatyrno) makes its tourist vocation a of its major attractions. The municipality has about 13,000 inhabitants and the favorable climate makes it suitable for seaside tourism from May to September included. As from the ancient name of Agathyrno, the city later passed to the denomination of Capo d'Orlando is still a problem shrouded in mystery: it seems to have been the emperor French Charlemagne to name the Chief in honor of his famous paladin.
Equipped with postcard beaches and sea, it's a little corner of Paradise. The beautiful beaches are just a few minutes' walk away wherever you are in the city. And there is something for everyone: if you love the sandy beach, you can find a long and wide one in the stretch that is located right in front of the town; if you like to go discovering little hidden corners, and love the idea of diving into the sea directly from the rocks, here are for you stretches of cliffs and stacks that are located east of the Cape.
The landscape is wonderful and Capo d'Orlando boasts three spectacular observation points, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view.
The first is located in Scafa Alta, from where you can admire the bay with the port, and even on the right, the Aeolian Islands.
The second point is located in Catutè alto, on the Rocche della Sciamma, from which on the left you can clearly see Cefalù.
Third privileged point, going up right to the top of the Cape: a unique show.
The city also offers culture, monuments and art beauties.
The Roman thermal baths that are located in the Bagnoli district (3 km northeast of Capo d'Orlando) are, despite the devastations due to the earthquake that occurs ograve; in Sicily between the 4th and 5th century AD, they can be said to be excellently preserved and one can clearly identify the three typical rooms of the Roman Baths, the Frigidarium (for the baths) cold), the Tepidarium (at intermediate temperature, designed as a transition between cold and heat) and the Calidarium (where you could take hot or steam baths). Also worth admiring the mosaics present on the floors of the remains.
Another attraction of Capo d'Orlando is its castle, which according to legend was founded by Charlemagne, in honor of Paladin Orlando. Some documents attest to its existence in the Middle Ages. The castle kept a simulacrum by Maria SS, unfortunately stolen on the night of 11 December 1925. The following year a copy of it was reproduced in silver, to this day on display in the Sanctuary.
Fontana Drago, from an uncertain period and recently restored, is also very well known and characteristic. Completely made of sandstone, it is decorated with majolica from the school of Naso (between the 17th century and the beginning of the nineteenth century). A gentle coat of arms embellished the fountain, but unfortunately it was stolen in 1985.
In the city there are many other fountains that are worth visiting: let's remember Fontana Lia, Scafa Bassa, Fontana di Manazza, Fontana di Vina, Fontana del Piratino, Fontana light.
Of great interest is also the Museo Fondazione Famiglia Piccolo di Calanovella, a noble family from Palermo who dwelling ograve; in Capo d'Orlando starting from the thirties of the twentieth century. The museum is located inside a refined and elegant villa, late 19th century. The famous writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, author of “The Leopard” stayed here, often stayed here by a particular friendship with the Piccolo: it was in this villa that he came conceived much of his famous work. In the museum-foundation you can admire paintings, photographs, ceramics, antique weapons. The villa is surrounded by a beautiful park that houses different varieties of rare plants and a particular 'dog cemetery, 'among the few in the world.
In Capo d'Orlando there is also a beautiful green area, the Suburban Park of Scafa (named after the homonymous district), with a extension of about 4 hectares. You can walk in complete peace of mind this wonderful park, which is located in a panoramic position on the hill and from which you can see the Aeolian Islands at the horizon.
Of course, nature lovers will be able to make a trip through the Goletta path that winds along a path. You can travel only on foot and for the more experienced in mountain biking, along a mule track about 1,200 km long and m.1 wide. From here you can enjoy the view of incredible views, immersed in nature and with rare human presences. A great relaxing silence permeates the whole area, with the evocative swarf of the waves in the background.
Do not miss the Antiquarium Agatirnide, an exhibition space dedicated to the numerous archaeological finds found in Capo d'Orlando. Opened to the public in 2002, the structure exhibits a series of finds dating back to the twelfth century BC (Bronze Age), incredible testimonies of the ancient history of the Orlandine territory. Coins, ceramics, mosaics, decorations: everything tells the story of Capo d'Orlando, retraced also through information panels.
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