Messina

<< Sicily

Messina is a city located at the northeastern corner of Sicily, just across the sea from Calabria and the Italian mainland. The city was founded in the 8th century BCE by Greek colonists, and remained an important and flourishing port throughout its entire history. Messina has been hit by several earthquakes, especially in 1783 and 1908, which destroyed most of the city. Later rebuilt, Messina is now the third largest city in Sicily, and features some interesting attractions.

✪ Messina Cathedral

The Messina Cathedral (Duomo di Messina) is the main church of the city. It was erected by the Normans in the 12th century over previous structures, and was reworked several times. The church was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1908 and during World War II, and the current structure was rebuilt in the 20th century. The cathedral features an elaborate facade, while the interior is richly adorned with statues, paintings, and other artworks. The church also houses a museum of religious artworks. Adjacent to the church is a historic bell tower, which houses the largest astronomical clock in the world, built in 1933. The cathedral faces Piazza Duomo, which is adorned with the 16th-century Fountain of Orion (Fontana di Orione). The 18th-century Statua dell’Immacolata is instead near the northern side of the chruch.

✪ Regional Museum of Messina

The Regional Museum of Messina (Museo Regionale di Messina) is a large art museum in Messina. The museum showcases the rich history of art in Messina, and features works by many notable artists such as Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina. The collection also includes several sculptures and pieces of decorative arts.

Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani

The Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani is a historic church in the center of Messina. The church was built in the 12th century by the Normans on some previous Byzantine and Arab structures. The building is richly decorated with Arab-Norman elements, and inside it houses various artworks. In front of the church is a monument of John of Austria, son of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.

Church of San Francesco all’Immacolata

The Church of San Francesco all’Immacolata is one of the largest churches in Messina, built in Gothic style in the 13th century. The church features a decorated rose window on its facade, while the interior is richly adorned with several artworks.

Fountain of Neptune

The Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno) is a monumental fountain located on the seafront of Messina. The statue was made in 1557 by Florentine sculptor Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, and was moved to various parts of the city until reaching its current position in 1934.

Forte del Santissimo Salvatore

The Forte del Santissimo Salvatore is a fort located in the port of Messina and built in the 16th century. The fort sits at the end of a narrow strip of land, which was originally fortified in the 11th century. In 1934 a large statue was erected on top of the fort. It remained an important fortified position for centuries, and it is still a military property.

Gonzaga Castle

The Gonzaga Castle is a 16th-century fort located on the hills overlooking Messina. The fort has been involved in several battles and wars, the most recent being World War II. It remained a military establishment until 1973, and now it is still well preserved.

Cape Peloro

Also known as: Faro Point (Punta del Faro)

Cape Peloro (Capo Peloro) is a promontory at the northeastern corner of Sicily, located north of Messina. A site of great historical importance, it is now known for its two small lakes and its 19th-century lighthouse. The cape also hosts one of the Pylons of Messina (Piloni dello Stretto), two tall free standing towers that used to carry a power line across the Strait of Messina. The other pylon is located on the other side of the strait, near Villa San Giovanni in Calabria.