Trail length:
900 m (height difference 40 m)
Trail duration:
30 m
Difficulty level:
easy
Bay of Saint Anthony
At the edge of the road leading to the sanctuary of Sant'Antonio we encounter the ruins of the ancient Torre Longa, which collapsed in 1975. The square-plan tower served as a lookout point; it was built in the last years of the 16th century, according to the design of the royal architect Camillo Camilliani on an elevation of limestone rock that he called 'Punta del Campanaro'. Even during the last Great War it was considered a strategic site, so much so that a 'casemate', camouflaged in the escarpment, still stands nearby. Near the ruins of the Torre Longa begins a path that, following the coastline, reaches the sea (about a 20-minute walk) at the 'Cala della Mattanza'.
For almost a century, after it was once again taken by the Angevins in 1341 and until the beginning of the 17th century, Milazzo was at the centre of numerous troubled wars linked to the feudal conflicts that bloodied Sicily. During the Spanish domination, the town increased its strategic importance. The most important and imposing fortifications of the historic Castle date from this period and can still be admired today. It was also several times the seat of the Viceroy and Lieutenants of Sicily.
For almost a century, after it was once again taken by the Angevins in 1341 and until the beginning of the 17th century, Milazzo was at the centre of numerous troubled wars linked to the feudal conflicts that bloodied Sicily. During the Spanish domination, the town increased its strategic importance. The most important and imposing fortifications of the historic Castle date from this period and can still be admired today. It was also several times the seat of the Viceroy and Lieutenants of Sicily.
Isgrò C. Guide to the nature of Capo Milazzo, Milazzo 2016
