Pezzolo
Welcome to Pezzolo: the gem nestled among the rocks
Welcome to Pezzolo, a hamlet of Messina located in a panoramic position on the hills facing the Strait of Messina in the south. This beautiful location is about 24 km away from the city center and offers a spectacular view of one of the most beautiful stretches of sea in Italy. Until the 1960s, the village's economy was mainly agricultural. Pezzolo was populated with citrus groves, olive groves, and vineyards, while the breeding of silk worms and the production of silk were very important activities until the Second World War. Today, the village offers a unique experience for nature and history lovers.
The road to Pezzolo
Starting from Ponte Schiavo, a few kilometers from the Ionian coast, you can begin the journey towards Pezzolo. The winding road along the hillsides offers a breathtaking panoramic view. You can admire a succession of ancient olive groves, particularly suggestive in the first part of the journey. Later on, you cross steep terraced slopes. These "armacie" were cultivated with vegetables, wheat, rye, and spelt until a few decades ago, while the higher areas of the hills were used for grazing. The state forest provided firewood, which also fueled the charcoal trade.
History of Pezzolo
Pezzolo has an ancient and fascinating history. Already inhabited in ancient times, the village developed during the period of Saracen raids, when the inhabitants of the coast sought refuge on the high hills. After the Anti-Spanish Revolt of Messina, Pezzolo suffered the fate of the hamlets of Altolia, Molino, and Briga Superiore. It was put up for auction and sold to landowners. In 1727, the lands were confiscated and returned to the state domain. In 1844, the village obtained the liberation from "angherie" towards the Monastery of San Placido Calonerò after a trial in court. In 1866, the Italian state confiscated the lands of religious congregations, selling them or putting them on lease. Several plots thus passed into the availability of the farmers of the village.
Road network and public transport
Provincial Road n° 35 is the main artery that connects Pezzolo to Messina. From the junction of Ponte Schiavo, the road crosses the entire village, passing in front of the Benedictine Monastery of San Placido Calonerò. In addition, the village is connected to the city center by the ATM spa (Messina) line n° 3. This allows tourists and visitors to reach Pezzolo easily and without travel problems.
Churches and monuments in Pezzolo
The main church of Pezzolo is the one dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, the patron saint of the village. The church dates back to the second half of the seventeenth century and was severely damaged by the earthquake of 1908. However, the structure was renovated in the following years and today you can admire its beauty.
In conclusion, Pezzolo is a real treasure of Sicily, with an ancient and fascinating history and breathtaking natural beauty. The road network and public transport make it easy and accessible to visit this village, where you can discover monuments, churches, and local traditions. We only ask visitors to treat this location with respect and appreciate what it has to offer.
