Santuario di Tindari

The Santuario di Tindari is a pilgrimage church on the cliffs above the Tyrrhenian coast. It is a place of worship and also offers a wide view of the Mediterranean and the nature reserve Laghetti di Marinello.

The Legend of Tindari

The history of the “Basilica Santuario di Maria Santissima del Tindari” is shrouded in legends. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is said that the statue of the Black Madonna, located inside the church, possesses miraculous powers. The legend tells that the statue, probably of Byzantine origin, was among the numerous art objects smuggled from Constantinople during the iconoclasm initiated by Emperor Leo III in the 8th and 9th centuries. A storm forced the ship carrying the Black Madonna made of cedar wood to dock at the port of Tindari, where the crew safely stored their cargo in the local abbey. Today, it is behind the altar with the inscription “nigro sum sed formosa” (I am black, but beautiful).

The Churches

The older sanctuary was rebuilt from 1552 after its destruction in 1544; the year 1598 is carved above the portal. A larger church was built next to it from 1957 and consecrated in 1979. Visitors can experience the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

Explore the Surroundings

After your visit to the Santuario di Tindari, you can explore the surrounding region. Stroll through the alleys of the nearby fishing village Oliveri and savor local delicacies in traditional trattorias.

Your Holiday in Sicily

The Santuario di Tindari fits well into a Sicily holiday. Terra Mia Immobiliare mediates holiday homes in Sicily through Sicily Vacation Rentals, including holiday homes with sea views and holiday homes with a pool.