Tindari , Sicily Myth, Art, Culture

Capo Tindari www.italia.it 

Myth, art, culture, fairytale landscapes: this is Tindari, a pleasant town in the Gulf of Patti situated in the homonymous municipality in the province of Messina. Founded in 396 a.c. Syracusan mercenaries in the war against Carthage at the behest of Dionysius of Syracuse, the ancient city of Tindari owes its name to King Tyndareus of Sparta.

Since then its history has been a series of stories, myths and legends that have left an indelible mark in the popular imagination. Naval base before the Carthaginians, then the Romans, the Byzantines conquered and destroyed by the Arabs, is known for an epic battle - the Battagia Tindari - and for the words that he dedicated Cicero in the Verrines, but especially for the presence of a Black Madonna still venerated at the shrine which occupies the ancient acropolis.

Tindari Teatro Greco www.foto-sicilia.it

The remains of the ancient city of Tindari are relatively well preserved. The urban checkerboard typical of Roman cities evident in the block (the islets were condos Romans) brought to light between two ancient decumani and the mighty walls in square work are very impressive, but to impress the visitor is its Theatre Greek. Dating from the late fourth century and renovated in Roman times is a marvel of acoustics and is home for over sixty years festival of music, dance and theater. Leaning against the side of a cliff looking out to sea and has a diameter of over 60 meters.

Tindari santuario www.laplaya-hotel.it 

The Shrine of the Black Madonna, however, is the main attraction of Tindari. A inside the wood carving cedar representing the Virgin and child, he would come to Tindari in an effort of the faithful of evading the iconoclastic fury of the eighth century. According to legend, it was abandoned by the sailors of a ship landed below the promontory of Tindari to leave without fight the will of God that would have prevented the vessel to set sail again. The Madonna is venerated today in a festival held September 7.

Under the promontory lies the Laguna Oliveri, also known as Tindari, a strait exceptionally beautiful nature reserve today for the simultaneous presence of a characteristic salty environment type lake with sea sand, and the destination of tourists who go to the beach Marinello, also the subject of a legend that would be formed after the fall of a little girl - found unharmed - from the promontory of the sanctuary. Even the Grotta di Donna Villa, visible in the rocky ridge above is the subject of an ancient myth: the holes in it would be the sign of the fingers of a rabid witch devouring sailors when he could not satiate his nefarious appetite.

Text taken from http://www.italia.it/