Santuario della Madonna Nera di Tindari, Tindari
Facts and practical information
The Basilica Santuario di Maria Santissima del Tindari or sanctuary of Tindari or sanctuary of the Black Madonna or primitive cathedral of Tindari is located in Tindari, a hamlet of Patti, in the metropolitan city of Messina. It stands on top of the hill of the same name and overlooks the small lakes of Marinello included in the oriented nature reserve of the same name.
The present building identifies and covers the area where the primitive fortress or castle of Tindari existed, the existence of which is documented by the presence of battlements or coronations in the pre-existing buildings of worship, which reinforce the thesis of ancient churches carved out of primitive fortified buildings.
On September 8, 2018, it was elevated to a minor basilica by Pope Francis.
Sicily