The battle paid off. After a slow start, the mobilization for the recovery and valorisation of the remains of the ancient convent of Santa Maria di Gesù Superiore, in Ritiro, led the Messina site to climb the national ranking, reaching thirtieth place.
The list of sites eligible for funding has been published by the Italian Environmental Fund at the end of the annual “Places of the Heart Fai” campaign. «The site we support – states the president of the Committee, Pippo Previti – is the convent of Santa Maria di Gesù Superiore which, it should be remembered, is the first convent of the Carmelite Friars founded in Europe and the first convent of the Observant Minor Friars born in Sicily. It is also the burial place of Antonello da Messina, according to many historical testimonies, and of the father of Sant’Annibale Maria Di Francia. It has all the characteristics of being a “place of the heart” of Messina, as happened in past years for the Crypt of the Cathedral or for the Badiazza”.
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