
What to see in Messina
Messina is the gateway to Sicily. Ancient and noble, located on the northeastern tip of the island, topped by Peloritan Mountains, it has always served as a crossroads for Sicily. The people, goods, works, and thoughts always passed through here before coming to any other part of Sicily.
Strategic and desired, it has for a long time been the subject of contention between the most powerful populations of antiquity. A place of art and culture, the city has given birth to one of the most popular Italian artists in the field of painting: Giovanni Antonio of Antonio, best known as Antonello da Messina.
The tragic earthquake of 1908 inevitably changed the town’s aspect; it was reconstructed according to city planning principles of the twentieth century. In addition, during the Second World War, Messina was the Italian city, which recorded the highest number of damage caused by allied bombing raids.
Messina. First stop for those who come from the strait, here you can breathe the whole atmosphere of Sicily.
The Cathedral of Messina
The Campanile of the Cathedral of Messina is one of the most curious attractions of Italy. It rises to about 60 meters with its majestic mechanical clock, added to the bell tower in 1933, boasting the supremacy of being the largest astronomical clock in the world.
The façade, which looks on the Square, is on the main side of the tower. On the first floor, an earthly experience is depicted through statues that cover the four main stages of life: childhood, youth, maturity and old age. Between them lies death. The entire complex moves every quarter of an hour.
Further below on the other hand, the days of the week are represented by seven Greek Gods driving a chariot drawn by different animals (thus resuming its Greek myth that wanted Apollo to be driving the chariot to make the sun rise).
On the second floor instead, the most important phases of the events of Christ have been reproduced: His Birth, Easter and Pentecost.
On the third floor, the scene is dominated by a free-range rooster, symbol of the rebirth of the city. On its sides, the statues of two women Dina and Clarenza, noble citizens of Messina, who distinguished themselves during the Sicilian Vespers of 1282 against the Angevins.
On the fourth floor the Lion, a symbol of strength and courage, holds in its paws the flag of Messina flown three times a day. At noon, a mighty roar celebrates the tenacity of its people.
Finally at the top is the big clock.
The Regional Museum in Messina
The Regional Museum of Messina organized in Liberty Avenue on the premises of an ancient mill Mellinghoff-Barbera, is one of the few buildings to remain intact after the devastating earthquake of 1908. After the earthquake, the need to rescue the works recuperated from the rubble allowed for an extensive collection of materials of different ages and workmanships, which is now one of the largest and most beautiful historical collections in Sicily.
Panoramic Messina
The ring road runs 9 kilometers on the upper part of Messina, which offers sensational landscapes of great beauty, especially in the evening, with the city lights illuminating the waters of the Strait and the tip of Calabria, sealing the picturesque panorama. Along the way, there are numerous architectural testimonies of the noble history of Messina.
The Sanctuary of Montalto
Thanks to its location and imposing size, the Sanctuary of Montalto, is clearly visible from all parts of the city. The present building was built in 1930, after the 1908 earthquake had destroyed the previous church and adjoining monastery. It is said that the Church was built in gratitude to Our Lady, who during the Vespers of 1282 had defended the insurgents of Messina, protecting them from the arrows of the French archers.
Dedicated to Our Lady of Victories, the Sanctuary is displayed in all the strength of Gothic and Romanesque styles: the two high bell towers enclose the central front in which there is a statue of Our Lady of Victories, made of marble during sixteenth century. Inside, a beautiful sixteenth-century crucifix found after the collapse of the earthquake. Its location gives one of the most beautiful views of the Messina and the Strait.
The Shrine of Christ the King
The area, where now stands the Shrine of Christ the King, has always been the subject of strategic implacements for the controlling of Messina. During the Norman period, the previous building was enlarged, giving life to the Castle of Rocca Guelfonia or Matagriffone. This was the site of the home of Richard the Lionheart during his stay in Sicily before conducting the Third Crusade to the Holy Land. The castle, however, was also a place of dramatic events and revolts of Messina against foreign domination. The complex was expanded by Charles V, and consequently weakened during the clashes of the uprisings movements of the nineteenth century, and reduced to rubble by the earthquake of 1908.
Its reconstruction was completed in 1937 with an octagonal structure and harmonious dome. Today it is the monumental tomb of Messina, within which are the remains of those who have fallen in battle for Messina.
In the vicinity of Messina
Among the places to mark on the agenda before heading towards Messina is definitely Ganzirri, ten kilometers to the north. The beauty of the place enhanced by the presence of the sea and typical local ponds annually attracts an increasing number of tourists.
The Pantano Grande and Pantano Piccolo are lakes partly navigable, in which has developed a thriving trade in fishery products: mussels, mollusks, crabs, oysters and clams. You will therefore understand that even local places of the area provide delicious products for lovers of seafood in exciting locations placed directly on the lake.
Cape Pelorus, commonly called Tip of the Lighthouse, is the extreme northern tip of Sicily, the part closest to Italy of the entire island.
During the summer period, Mortelle is the preferred location by the people of Messina, where numerous beaches are found along the sandy coast, which offer all the amenities to make you forget the stress of the city. Like any self-respecting seaside resort, here pizzerias also abound, along with bars and clubs to spend your evenings.
Feast of the Annunciation in Messina
The anticipated event of the year, the feast of the Annunciation gives character to the city of Messina for several days. From August 10, carried in procession, are the Giants, two large equestrian statues of the warrior Moor Griffin and noble Lady Mata made of wood and papier-mâché.
Even with all the different versions of the story, the most credible one reports that the Muslim leader, hopelessly in love with Mata, is convinced to convert to Christianity in order to have her.
From August 1st, following one another, the preparations of the Vara, a large float that takes up the theme of Mary and her ascension into heaven. This was released in 1535 to celebrate the triumphal entry of Charles V in Messina. Today it presents itself as a huge wagon, with the angels and cherubs at the feet of Christ who rises Mary into heaven. Hundreds of faithful, with strong ropes, carry la Vara in procession. The procession ends in front of the Cathedral, packed with cheering people who celebrate the ascent of Mary into heaven. In the evening, spectacular fireworks light up with bright colors the waters of the Strait.
Everything fish
Messina is a city that has always had numerous dishes based on fish, some also adopted from the culinary traditions of other cities.
The dish par excellence is the Stockfish of the greedy: it is big cod dried in a natural way, the rapier in fact, stuffed with potatoes, olives and capers.
The mussels are among the shellfish most chosen by tourists: the famous pepper here assumes a different flavor thanks to the renowned mussels of Ganzirri.
The blue fish of the strait, served flaming, comes pan-fried and is eaten still smoking, with the fish crispy enough as not to even remove the scales.
Finally, a special mention goes to the swordfish, of which act of fishing it itself is considered an art.
Its meat is one of the most delicious as much as to be praised since Greek times. It can be served grilled, seasoned with olive oil and fresh parsley, breaded cutlets or baked, wrapped in a roll or stewed, making it possible to create the right mix of condiments and side dishes.
Historical Background of Messina
Messina by Night
Messina experiences a certain nocturnal excitement thanks to bars and clubs, and other entertainment that animate the evenings near the Strait.
For gourmets, it is highly recommended to try a dinner among the restaurants and taverns in the city center, where the typical local product, swordfish, is served in endless variations. One should savor a romantic and memorable stroll along the seafront.
The Duomo, especially on weekends, is the meeting point for thousands of young university students who gather to have something to drink and move on to some place within the city center.
Those who like to stay up late, in Messina, will find several pubs and clubs that organize theme nights, from dance music, to the Latin American dances.
Not to be missed, during the summer period, the Messines August 15th, with its celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation involving entire city.