.png "Via dei Santuari Mariani nell’Anello del Nisi")
Itinerary: religious
1-3 days
The Via dei Santuari Mariani nell'Anello del Nisi (The Way of the Marian Sanctuaries in the Nisi Ring) is a circular trail that winds between the sea and the mountains in the Ionian area of the province of Messina, offering an immersive experience of spirituality, nature, and local culture. The route connects several Marian shrines, passing through ancient villages, hilly paths, green valleys, and coastal views, creating an itinerary that combines religious devotion with the pleasure of slow walking.
The trail begins in Alì Terme, near the sea, and gradually ascends inland, through olive groves, cultivated fields, and small woods. The atmosphere changes as you enter the Nisi River valley, where you encounter ancient mule tracks, remains of rural archaeology, and landscapes alternating between tranquility and vastness. The villages along the way, such as Alì and Fiumedinisi, retain a strong identity, with baroque churches, narrow stone streets, and vibrant traditions.
Along the route, sacred sites become points of pause and reflection, while the views open out towards the sea, offering moments of beauty suspended between earth and sky. It's a perfect itinerary for those seeking an experience that engages body and spirit, at a slow pace that allows one to listen to the land, its sounds, its silences, and its memories. The journey concludes by returning to the coast, completing a circle that harmoniously unites faith, history, and landscape.
Link:
https://camminiditalia.org/cammini/anello-del-nisi
The first stage stretches over about 9.4 km (elevation gain ~446 m, duration 3–4 h), starting at the serene Sanctuary of Blessed Maddalena Morano at the Istituto Maria Ausiliatrice in Alì Terme, conveniently accessible by public transport. Walk along the seafront, then choose between the SS‑114 road or a scenic beach route reaching Capo Alì/Grosso, where you’ll glimpse the 17th‑century Saracen Tower. Climbing through olive groves and vineyards leads you to Alì, where the majestic Cathedral of St. Agatha awaits.
Stage Two offers three route options: the short variant (~10.2 km, elevation 196–445 m, duration 3–4 h), a more demanding alternative (~9.5 km, up to 623 m ascent, 4–5 h), and a longer track ‘C’ (~16.3 km, 576 m, 6–7 h). Descending from Alì’s Duomo via Via S. Zaccaria past the church, the path crosses the Alì stream then climbs through agricultural lands into the rustic zones of Tripi and Grotte, once metal‑mining areas. Longer routes reward hikers with panoramic views, fresh springs, and ancient rural ruins before arrival at the bustling Chiesa Madre of the Annunziata in Fiumedinisi.
The final leg is about 9.2 km (elevation 14–445 m, duration 3–4 h), starting from Fiumedinisi’s Chiesa Madre square. The route winds through devotional alleys like Umberto I and Salita S. Francesco until reaching SP27 and passing ancient homes en route to the Acqua Rossa spring, perfect for a rest. Approaching Buticari, you’ll spot the “Red Palace” farmhouse, before entering the Parco Rocca di Buticari, featuring panoramic viewpoints, playgrounds, and a bird‑watching tower. The descent leads into Nizza di Sicilia’s Piazza Interdonato and culminates at the historic Castello d’Alcontres and Church of San Giovanni.
Alcontres Castle, along with the Church of San Giovanni, represents the historical and spiritual heart of Nizza di Sicilia. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the castle has been remodeled over the centuries and is one of the few remaining examples of fortified architecture in the area. Today, the castle often hosts cultural events and exhibitions, yet retains its ancient charm, with stone walls and breathtaking views of the Ionian coast. Next to the castle stands the Church of San Giovanni, a small jewel of sacred art, deeply rooted in local religious tradition. Inside the church are exquisite frescoes and a wooden statue of San Giovanni, much venerated by the faithful. The complex is an ideal destination for pilgrims on the Anello del Nisi, who find here an atmosphere of meditation, history, and faith, immersed in a landscape of great natural beauty.
