Capo D'orlando: Coast, Culture and Nature

Capo d'Orlando between Coast and Culture

Capo d'Orlando can be discovered through its coast, maritime themes, and tangible evidence of art and history. The freely accessible beach on Lungomare Andrea Doria is located directly next to the built-up centre of Capo d'Orlando. The harbour basin of Capo d'Orlando Marina is intended to accommodate 553 berths for boats measuring between 7.5 and 40 metres in length.

Archaeology and Historic Buildings

The Area archeologica di Bagnoli is located approximately three kilometres northeast of Capo d'Orlando. It comprises a thermal complex from the 3rd century AD with eight rooms; the archaeological area in question was attached to a Roman villa.

The Santuario di Maria Santissima di Capo d'Orlando, also known as Santuario della Madonna, stands on the summit of the promontory that symbolises the town, within the monumental Castello complex. Castello Bastione is situated on a high plateau above Contrada Malvicino in Capo d'Orlando and was probably built around the 17th century. From the summit of Castello Bastione, there is a panoramic view over the Piana Orlandina and the Aeolian Islands.

Art Collections and Insights into the Past

The Pinacoteca comunale was established in 1955 following the first exhibition, “Vita e Paesaggio di Capo d'Orlando”. Its collection comprises 382 works, distributed between the gallery rooms and the offices of the municipal administration. The Antiquarium Comunale “Agatirnide” is an archaeological museum founded on 20 December 2002. The Antiquarium Comunale “Agatirnide” contains finds dating from the Bronze Age to the 1st century AD.

Villa Piccolo is a stately villa from the 18th century that was remodelled and extended at the end of the 19th century. The Museo di Villa Piccolo preserves works of art, paintings, ceramics, antique weapons, prints and documents. It also houses the handwritten letters of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, Casimiro Piccolo's collection of “acquerelli magici”, portraits and photographs, as well as almost 2,400 books from the Piccolo family's collection.

Nature and Planning Your Day Together

The Parco Suburbano di Scafa is an equipped nature park covering approximately four hectares. It features an amphitheatre for summer performances, as well as picnic and barbecue areas.

In Capo d'Orlando, Limun’aria is one of the events held in May and June.

Water, History and Nature in the Rhythm of a Day

Capo d'Orlando brings together different settings and periods: the freely accessible beach is located on Lungomare Andrea Doria, while the Area archeologica di Bagnoli and the Antiquarium preserve archaeological traces. Castello Bastione, Villa Piccolo and the Pinacoteca comunale add historical and artistic points of interest. With its amphitheatre and picnic and barbecue areas, the Parco Suburbano di Scafa adds a natural space for leisure and relaxation.

Discover More Places

Discover more places: Fiumedinisi, Fondachello, Mistretta, Castelmola, Oliveri, Villafranca Tirrena, Montalbano Di Elicona, Pettineo

To the higher-level travel overview: Messina.