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Comune in Sicily, Italy
Photo: Stefano Barillà. Original uploader was StefanoBarillà at it.wikipedia. Later version(s) were uploaded by Neon97 at it.wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Messina ([mesˈsiːna], Sicilian: Missina, Greek: Μεσσήνη/Μεσσήνα) is a port in the northeast corner of Sicily. Most visitors are passing through, on the 5-km ferry-crossing to mainland Italy. Although it dates to ancient times, Messina is modern and nondescript. Older buildings were mostly destroyed by the great earthquake and tsunami of 28 Dec 1908, then Allied bombing in World War II finished what was left. Nevertheless, it has enough sights to justify spending a day. One modern claim to fame is that in June 1955, Messina hosted the conference that set up the European Community and common market, later the European Union.
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Statua della SS. Madonna di Messina
The Madonna of the Letter is venerated by the Catholic Church as a saint patron of Messina. A towering gilded statue of the Madonna della Lettera is located atop of the tall Forte San Salvatore tower at the tip of the sickle in the sickle-shaped harbour. The inscription "We bless you and your City" is taken from a letter from Mary in 42 AD.
Basilica Cattedrale metropolitana di Santa Maria Assunta
A Gothic cathedral which dates to the 12th century. The cathedral suffered serious damage in the 1908 earthquake and was restored between 1919 and 1920. During the Second World War, Allied bombings destroyed part of the Cathedral, which was rebuilt in 1943. It is consecrated to the “ Virgin of the Letter”, The Patronnes of the Town.
The Duomo's bell tower has one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world, built in 1933 by the Ungerer Company of Strasbourg. A must-see for visitors with an amazing clock show, including symbolical and allegorical moving metal animals and statues, every day at 12:00.
Work of Montorsoli (1547), a student of Michelangelo. Orion, with his dog Sirius, is portrayed as one of the legendary founders of Messina.
An 18th-century building, perhaps of a relatively modest exterior, but it's one of a few ones survived the earthquake of 1908.
Municipio of Messina was built in 1924 in Neoclassical style under direction by Antonio Zanca.
Collections of medieval art and modern works. Note especially the altarpiece of San Gregorio by Antonello da Messina, and the Resurrezione di Lazzaro (Raising of Lazarus) and Adorazione dei pastori (Adoration of the Shepherds) both by Caravaggio.
Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani
One of a few survivors of the earthquake in 1908. Its origin dates to the 12th century in later Norman style with Arabic-influenced elements.
Two smaller fountains survived out of four built between 1666 and 1742.
This former church built early 13th century is a rare example of a Gothic style in the city. The church was badly damaged in 1908 and was open back to the public in 2001. It hosts various exhibitions.
Santuario della Madonna del Carmelo
A church with 7 chapels decorated inside with polychrome marble. It also known for its Tamburini Organ renowned for its complex rich sounds (installed in 1950s).
An eclectic building constructed between 1924 and 1929 in Liberty style. Inside it consists of 3 passages converging into a hexagonal centre covered by a glass dome. It's somewhat similar to other galleria's across Italy.
The current building is essentially a ground floor of the former palazzo which was severely damaged by earthquakes and World War II bombing.
Sanctuary is a building made in an eclectic style with Gothic and Romanesque elements, located high above the Piazza del Duomo. From its lookout point, with a statue of the Pope admiring the view, you can enjoy a panorama of the Messina harbour and the Strait of Messina.
Built at the remains of the medieval castle of Matagrifone, Christ the King is a majestic domed memorial chapel, located on a hilltop north of the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Montalto. also with a beautiful panoramic view of the harbour and strait. Built in 1937, it serves as a burial chamber in honour of some fellow citizens who died in Africa as soldiers in the Second World War.
Santuario di Montevergine
The church hosts remains of the Catholic saint Eustochia Smeralda Calafato.
Another monumental fountain by Montorsoli featuring Neptune accompanied with Scylla and Charybdis.
The former main gate of the Messina's citadel. These days it stays at the Piazza Casa Pia dei Poveri. A few other surviving parts of the citadel still can be seen at the original location of the citadel at the SE corner of the port albeit in a pretty neglected state.
Palazzo de Pasquale
A beautiful Neo-Renaissance villa in Liberty style built in 1912 and restored in 2016.
Orto Botanico "Pietro Castelli" dell'Università di Messina
It's one of two Piloni dello Stretto, decommissioned electricity pylons across Messina Strait. They were built in 1957 to support 220kV power line over the Strait of Messina. It is a 224 metres tall steel lattice tower, which is today an observation tower with an observation platform 200 metres high. Unfortunately you have to walk 1250 steps up and down, but the great view on the huge structure and the good view over Messina Strait is surely worth it! And while you're in Torre Faro, might as well visit the nearby active Capo Peloro lighthouse.
Med cuisine.
Central pizzeria.
Bar, grill & Irish pub.
Charming, elegant, central four star hotel.
Small very central hotel.
Small 3-star hotel set in the hills looking north over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Features 119 guest and family rooms with sea view towards the Aeolian Islands. Private beach. Facilities: A/C, infinity swimming pool, sea-view solarium, running centre, spa & wellness centre, banquet facilities, conference centre.
By plane
Catania and Palermo have flights to the major European cities.
By train
Messina is Sicily's link to the main Italian train network. Long-distance trains from Rome and Naples cross the Straits of Messina by ferry and continue on to Palermo and Catania.
By bus
Long-distance buses stop in Messina, linking Rome and Naples to Catania and Palermo (Sais Autolinee).
The few sights of interest in Messina are close to the main port and are easily reached on foot.
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