Villa Genovesi

Audioguide created in collaboration with the students of "A. Gussio" scuola secondaria di primo grado Sant'Alessio Siculo.

Narrated by Mariangela Orlando.

Together with the castle of Capo Sant'Alessio, Villa Genovesi represent the territorial identity, culture and history of the municipality. The Villa is also known as "Villa del Gallo", because of the iron rooster, located on the circular tower, that marks the prevailing wind direction.

It was built between the late nineteenth and early twentieth century by Francesco Genovesi, a doctor from Barcelona Pozzo di Gotto. He was a well educated and charming man, and was also the owner of a renowned SPA in Messina.

The land - probably - belonged to the same owners of the castle, who were friends with Mr. Genovesi's family,

and from which he bought the land.

The doctor and his son saved themselves from the earthquake of Messina in 1908 only because they were in Sant'Alessio.

Their SPA, instead, was completely destroyed by the earthquake.

The villa is a two-storey building in Swiss style, characterized by very sloping roofs and a cylindrical tower.

In the garden, there were a large number of plants and flowerbeds, that were watered by water from a well, which was collected in a basin.

Next to the basin, there were a small terrace that overlooked the Strada Statale.

The majestic palms are still visible and they were probably there before the construction of the Villa.

Towards the sea, there is a outbuilding, where tools were stored.

The entrance from Strada Statale is characterized by two brick pillars, on the top of which two cherubs were placed.

The entrance from the seaside, instead, was characterized by a wrought iron gate and railing, which were confiscated during the fascist era and replaced by a low wall.

The building was expropriated by the municipality of Sant'

Alessio Siculo in 1988, and since then it houses the public library.

The gorgeous garden is nowadays used for various events during summer.