🌉 The Needle of the Strait – Pilone Santa Trada, Calabria
#siciliansea
📍 Pilone Santa Trada, Villa San Giovanni, Province of Reggio Calabria, Italy
📍 Address: Santa Trada, 89018 Villa San Giovanni (RC), Calabria Region
Pilone Santa Trada is a monumental steel pylon towering over the Calabrian coast, once part of an electricity transmission line that crossed the Strait of Messina. Today, this 224-meter structure no longer carries power but remains an iconic symbol of the region — bold, industrial, and oddly beautiful against the blue sea and sky.
Located near Villa San Giovanni, this colossal pylon faces its Sicilian twin across the strait. From the surrounding hills, you can enjoy sweeping views of both coasts, ferries gliding through the water, and the distant shape of Mount Etna on clear days. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of human ambition and the deep connection between Calabria and Sicily.
🕰️ Best visiting season:
Year-round, with clearest views and best skies from April to October
Tips for visitors:
• Reachable by car or a short hike from Santa Trada’s main road
• Great for photography, especially at sunset or golden hour
• Combine with a visit to Scilla or a ferry ride across to Messina
• No official visitor center — bring water and sun protection
• A unique stop for those who enjoy unusual landmarks and panoramic views
#PiloneSantaTrada #StraitOfMessina #CalabriaViewpoints #HiddenItaly #IndustrialBeauty #CoastalLandmarks #SouthernItalyScenes #VillaSanGiovanni#trip #localguides #historicallandmarks