The Torri Morandi (Morandi Towers), located in the coastal village of Torre Faro in Messina, are not only a symbol of industrial archaeology but also the heart of a redevelopment project aimed at transforming this area into a cultural and tourist landmark.
Thanks to funding from the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) and the collaboration between the Metropolitan City of Messina and the Municipality of Messina, the area is undergoing a forward-looking transformation aimed at improving the quality of life for residents while providing new opportunities and enhanced services for tourists and visitors.
The Morandi Towers: A Legacy of Industrial Archaeology
The Morandi Towers are named after engineer Riccardo Morandi, who designed them between 1954 and 1955 as part of an overhead power line that connected Sicily to Calabria. The structures served as the landing points for the cables crossing the Strait of Messina, a cutting-edge technology for the time. With the decommissioning of the power line in 1994, the towers were left unused for years, becoming a symbol of abandoned industrial archaeology.
In recent years, the Municipality of Messina initiated significant negotiations with E-Distribuzione and Enel Italia, the companies that previously owned the area. This long-term negotiation was successfully concluded in 2021, allowing the Municipality to acquire not only the historic towers but also a surrounding area of approximately 22,300 square meters.
The acquisition allowed the municipal administration to initiate a comprehensive redevelopment plan aimed at restoring historical, cultural, and environmental value to the Morandi Towers and the surrounding area. Strategically important, especially during peak tourist seasons, the area will see the integration of the towers into a museum complex and the creation of an urban park. This ambitious project represents a true revival for Torre Faro, with the goal of enhancing existing heritage and improving accessibility and quality of life in the village.
A Parking Hub for Mobility and Sustainability
Since May 1, 2022, the Torri Morandi parking area has been open year-round, 24 hours a day, as part of an initiative by the Municipality of Messina to facilitate access to Torre Faro and improve mobility in the area. The current rates are as follows:
Hourly rate: €1.00
Morning/Afternoon rate (from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM): €3.00
Afternoon/Evening rate (from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM): €3.00
Daily rate (from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM): €5.00
Additionally, visitors can benefit from a free public transport service on Line 38, which connects the Torri Morandi parking area with the main attractions and points of interest in Torre Faro.
The Redevelopment: A Comprehensive Project
The redevelopment project for the Morandi Towers, divided into four phases and with a total investment of 10 million euros, aims to transform the area into a cultural and environmental center of excellence.
In addition to the expansion of the parking area, the project includes the creation of an urban park with green spaces enriched with Mediterranean vegetation, and the installation of photovoltaic canopies to power charging stations for electric vehicles.
A central element of the project is the restoration of the two Towers, which will become home to a branch of the MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Arts). According to some reports, one of the towers will be preserved in its original form to host 'vertical' exhibitions and retain its historic charm, while the other will be adapted with a new glass staircase and metal structures to accommodate temporary exhibitions, a library, and a café.
The restoration work includes structural reinforcement, seismic and energy upgrades, and the creation of new functional spaces for managing the museum. The final goal is to complete the project by 2026, at which point the Morandi Towers area will be fully transformed and open to the public.
A New Road System for Torre Faro
Another key intervention of the project is the construction of a new road that will connect the parking area to Via Senatore Arena, bypassing the village center and alleviating traffic. The new road system aims to restore peace to residents and encourage the pedestrianization of the main streets, thereby improving the quality of life and making Torre Faro more welcoming for tourists and visitors.
The Morandi Towers area is not just a parking lot, but the starting point of a broader vision for Capo Peloro. With a focus on history, culture, and sustainability, this project promises to transform the village of Torre Faro into a modern and accessible tourist destination, while also enhancing the architectural and natural heritage of the area.
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