Tusa Tourism

church-mother-of-tusa
Tusa

Tusa Tourism

The tourist vocation for the municipality on the northern Sicilian coast already defined by Cicero as the "One of the richest cities in Sicily" in Roman times.

In the heart of the province of Messina, along a coastline silhouetted between sea and mountains, lies Tusa, a small town that hides a thousand-year history and a natural charm capable of winning over even the most demanding tourists. Although often underestimated compared to other, better-known destinations in Sicily, Tusa is slowly emerging as an intriguing destination for those who wish to discover authentic places, far from the big tourist flows.

A Glorious Past

The first evidence of the existence of a settlement in the area dates back to 403 B.C. when the city of Halaesa Arconidea was founded by Arconides, lord of Herbita. In 339 BC. Halaesa became part of the symmachia, a Siculo-Greek military alliance desired by Timoleon to free Syracuse from tyranny.

Later, in 264 B.C. at the outbreak of the First Punic War, Halaesa made an alliance with Rome. As a result of this alliance it had the privileges of being exempt from paying tithes, electing senators and magistrates, and governing itself independently. Under Augustus it became a Roman "Municipium." In imperial times it underwent a gradual decline, which reached a climax when it was sacked by the Arabs in the mid-9th century.

In 846 after a violent earthquake, almost the entire population abandoned Halaesa and moved not far away to the place where the Borgo di Tusa stands today. The place name "Tusa" derives from the Arabic tasa with the meaning of "new, recent."

Tusa continued to prosper because of its fertile valley and favorable location for maritime trade.

The Archaeological Park

The traces of such a rich and historically relevant past are still visible in the remains scattered throughout the area. The extensive archaeological area of Halaesa Arconidea, not far from the village of Tusa, is one of the most striking places, where one can admire the ruins of the ancient city, the baths, and the theater, which testify to the greatness of this civilization. It is a historical heritage of inestimable value, of great interest for the quality, quantity and preciousness of the finds contained, among the largest and best preserved in Italy, which makes Tusa a point of reference for fans of archaeology, history and culture.

An Extraordinary Nature

Despite its rich cultural heritage, Tusa offers much more to visitors. The natural beauty of the area is one of its strengths. Characteristic beaches and protected bays constitute a paradise for sea lovers. One of the main icons of the area is a very special rock, which has become a coveted subject for summer souvenir photos. Not only sea: the hilly hinterland of Tusa is characterized by vineyards, olive groves and pastures, ideal for hiking or simple walks in the shade of pine forests. Trekking enthusiasts can explore nature trails, enjoy the valley of the Tusa stream, which has its source on the Contrasto hill at 1107 m, and the beauty of the flora and fauna of the area.

Cuisine and Tradition

Local cuisine is another reason to fall in love with Tusa. The typical flavors of Sicilian cuisine combine perfectly with fresh produce straight from the sea and the surrounding gardens. You cannot leave the town without tasting the local cuisine of fresh fish, sarde a beccafico or traditional sweets. The folk festivals are equally important to understand the spirit of Tusa. Every summer, the town comes alive with festivals, concerts, and cultural events that celebrate its identity. One of the most anticipated is the patronal festival, during which entire families participate in processions and religious rites that tell the story of local devotion.