Pylons of Messina hotels in Messina, Italy

Electrical pylons aren’t usually on most people’s must-see lists, but the Messina pylons are classified as protected historical monuments and draw a surprising number of visitors.

The Story of the Pylons of Messina

Built in 1955, these two electrical pylons stand 761 feet high. One is in Calabria, across the Straits of Messina, and the second is in Torre Faro, a narrow promontory about ten miles north of Messina. Obsolete even by the 1980s, the pylons were decommissioned in 1993 and the power lines taken out. But the Italian government felt the pylons had some historical importance and gave them protected status.

Today, the pylons are used for telecommunications and meteorological measurements. But the pylon on the Sicilian side at Torre Faro is open to the public – and if you’re fit enough to climb the 1,250 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular views of northern Sicily, the Aeolian islands and the region of Calabria on Italy’s mainland.

What to See near the Pylons of Messina

On the northern side of Torre Faro, you can stretch out on the long sandy beach, or enjoy some of the beach clubs and bars dotted along the sands. Inland, there are two lakes – Lago di Ganzirri and Pantano Piccolo – that used to be marshes but have become some of the most picturesque lakes in the region and are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The village of Torre Faro is a lively little spot with a fishing harbour and waterside cafés.

Where to Stay near the Pylons of Messina

Choose a hotel near the Pylons of Messina and you can have long sandy beaches and laid-back villages within easy reach, as well as a part of Sicily which is off the radar for many tourists. Some hotels in Torre Faro offer either indoor or outdoor pools if you want a convenient place to swim. Or you could choose from the range of accommodation in Messina itself, where you can stay in an international chain hotel or an intimate bed and breakfast.