Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto (; ) is a town and municipality in the Metropolitan City of Messina in the autonomous island region of Sicily in Italy, west of Messina. As of 2025, with a population of 39,778, it is the 2nd-largest municipality in the metropolitan city.

As of 2025, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto has a population of 39,778, of whom 49.0% are male and 51.0% are female. Minors make up 16.3% of the population, and seniors make up 22.9%, compared to the Italian average of 14.9% and 24.7% respectively.

Traditions and folklore

The procession of Varette which takes place on Good Friday, and at the same time two processions consist of twenty-six Vare depicting the mysteries of the Passion parade through the streets of the city.

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Churches

These are some of the most important churches in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto:

  • 1936, Minor basilica of Saint Sebastian.
  • 1579 - 1583, Church of Carmine and convent of the Carmelite Order.
  • 1620 - 1646, Church of the Assumption, totally rebuilt in the 19th century.
  • 1623, Church of Jesus and Mary.
  • 1954, Church of Saint Francis of Paola. Reconstruction of a primitive place of worship from the 18th century.
  • 1622, Church of Saint Anthony of Padua and convent of the Order of the Franciscan Friars Minor, founded in the neighborhood of the same name.
  • 1635, Church of Saint John the Baptist, founded in the neighborhood of the same name, expanded in 1751 - 1754.
  • 1663, Church of the Holy Crucifix. It was the seat of a brotherhood of the same name.
  • 1623, Church of Saint Francis of Assisi under the title of the "Immaculate Conception" or simply "Church of the Capuchins".
  • 17th century, Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle.
  • 1637, Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot. Restored and
  • 1776 - 1791, Church of Saint Mary of Tindari and monastery of the Basilian order. It replaces the old seat of the Basilians near Gala, re-founded in 1105 by Countess Adelaide, wife of the Grand Count Roger, dedicated to the "Madonna Galaktotrophousa" or "Madonna breastfeeding the Child" or Panaghia Galaktotrophousa.
  • 1750, Church of the Immaculate Conception.
  • 18th century, Church of Saint Rosalia.
  • 1472 - 1571, Church of Saint Vitus.
  • 1472 - 1663, Oratory of Purgative Souls, near Saint Vitus church.
  • 1955 - 1959, Church of Saint Mary of Visitazion, Centineo.
  • 1300 - 1310, Church of Saint Roch, Nasari.
  • Church of Saint Mary of Pillar, Acquaficara.
  • 2004, Church of Saints Andrew and Vitus.

Sport

Igea Virtus is the local football team, usually playing in Serie D.

Notable people

  • Giuseppa Bolognara Calcagno (1846–1884), freedom fighter of the Risorgimento
  • Emilio Fede (born 1931), journalist
  • Carmelo Freni (born 1934) journalist, writer, director
  • Emilio Isgrò (born 1937), artist
  • Leonardo Vitale (1941–1984), Mafia pentito
  • Giuseppe (Beppe) Aldo Felice Alfano (1945-1993), journalist
  • Francesca Chillemi (born 1985), Miss Italia 2003

See also

  • Duomo of Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto
  • History of Roman Catholicism in Italy

References

  • Official website
  • Selected Civil Records Births, Marriages, Deaths.