The Ruins in Tindari, Sicily

Loyal blog readers might remember my recent girls’ getaway to nearby Sicily. Michelle and I ventured out, armed only with the clothes on our back (and all the clothes we could cram into our cases) and her mini corno, you know, to ward off the malocchio!

And, it worked!

One of the most picturesque sites we visited en-route to Palermo, the cannoli capital of the world, was Tindari. Hidden in the mountains only 60 kilometers from Messina, and most easily reached by car, is the tiny village town that is home to one of only a few black Madonna statues in the world!

A short two minute walk from the sanctuary, however, will reveal even more about this Tyrrhenian jewel. Settled in 1500 B.C., Tindari was the last Greek city settled in Sicily, before being conquered by the Carthaginians, Arabs, and Romans. What is left is a marvelous array of architecture, culture, and history that succeeds in setting Tindari apart from the crowd.

 In addition to the amphitheatre that was built in 4th century B.C., the ruins at Tindari offer temples, mosaics, and sophisticated baths.

The awe-inspiring columns stand proudly as a reminder of the village’s rich past and enduring strength.

This goat mosaic, just one of many at the ruins, takes us back to a different time and place. And, it makes me wonder … WHAT in the heck did that goat represent?

Here are the remains of the water pipes, used to heat water for the baths of ancient-day Tindaris.

Whether passing through briefly like we did, or settling in for a few days, like we’d have wanted, Tindari is a true hidden treasure, and a “must-add-now” to your Sicilian itinerary.

You won’t be sorry!