Messina, Italy - Sicilian town with several interesting monuments (2024)

Messina is situated on the north-eastern coast of Sicily, just a short ferry crossing from mainland Italy which lies to the east. A significant part of the heritage of Messina was lost during the world wars of the 20th century and important damage was caused by the earthquakes of 1783 and 1908, however most of the famous monuments have been reconstructed.

Explore Messina

Italy This Way review: although Messina is not an exceptional town, the main square with the cathedral and belltower is very attractive and there are various other sites of interest and impressive views, so while we would not stay long in the town, an afternoon exploring is very pleasant.

Your tour of Messina can start in the Piazza del Duomo, where you can see Messina Cathedral, the origins of which date back to Norman times. The cathedral suffered heavy damage during the earthquake of 1908 but was rebuilt using a lot of the original materials.

Founded by Roger II in the 12th century the cathedral retains some aspects of its medieval design, especially the 16th century gothic style portals. You can also see some sculptures including a statue of John the Baptist, by Antonello Gagini (1478-c.1536), and a 14th century mosaic of Saint Lucia in the side of the apse.

Be sure to visit the exceptional 'Treasury of the Cathedral' which includes some jewellery, sacred ornaments, and a 15th century wooden crucifix.

The bell tower, next to the cathedral and about 60 meters high, is famous for its mechanical and astronomical clock, with 'figures' that are activated at noon and move and show scenes from Messina's history. The bell tower was rebuilt in the mid-20th century - the old tower was damaged by fire in 1559, restored, then collapsed in the earthquake of 1783.

See our guide to Messina cathedral and belltower.

At the centre of the Piazza del Duomo you can admire the stunning Fontana di Orione ('Fountain of Orion'). The fountain was designed by A. Montorsoli (a student of Michelangelo) in the mid-16th century anderected in honour of Orion, the mythical Greek hunter deity said to be the founder of Messina.

The fountain contains numerous reliefs based on aquatic mythology, with several rivers represented symbolically, including the Tiber (with palms) while above is Orion carrying the weapons of Messina.

Near to the square on Via San Giacomo is the Norman Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani dating from the 12th century and along the Via Garibaldi you come to the Fortress of San Salvatore (16th century), built by Viceroy Ferdinand Gonzaga to defend against possible attacks by the Turks.

Between Piazza Garibaldi and Corso Cavour you will find the magnificent Teatro (1852), by Pietro Valente, in the neoclassical style. Inside, in the vault, you can admire the Legend of Colapesce by Renato Guttuso.

On Via Della Liberta just east of Piazza del Duomo there is a crossroads with attractive buildings on each corner: one of these contains a large galleried space with an impressive glass roof.

In Piazza dell Unità there is another fountain built by Montorsoli, the Neptune Fountain. The tall figure of Neptune, with a trident in his hands, has his right leg next to a dolphin. The statue is on a base with the coat of arms of Emperor Charles V (1500-1558). The fountain was originally placed near the harbour but it was damaged by war and after repairs were made it was moved to its current spot.

Opposite the fountain of Neptune stands the Palace of the Prefecture (1920) by Cesare Bazzani in Renaissance style. Also worthy of a look is the church of San Giovanni di Malta (16th century) by Jacopo del Duca (1520-1604). Inside the church is a museum with the relics of Saint Placido and also some fine pieces of gold and silverware.

Among other religious buildings in Messina worthy of mention include the 13th century church of Santa Maria degli Alemanni with its floral decorated capitals, the church of the Monte di Pietà, built by Antonio Basile and Placido Campoli in 1741, with the statue of 'Abundance', by Ignazio Buceti (18ème century) and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi (13th century, rebuilt after a fire in 1884). After the earthquake of 1908 the three apses remained intact.

Be sure to walk some of the panoramic route above the town. There are various roads which follow old fortifications suh as the Viale Italia to the west of the university.

The route has great views over the city and the sea and goes past the botanic gardens and the chapel of Sacrario di Cristo Re with its large dome. This was built as a memorial to casualties of war and its bells ring hourly to honor the dead.

Across the harbour a promontory sweeps round and you can visit what remains of the old citadelle. Continue to the tip to see the Fort of San Salvatore and an octagonal column with a statue of the Madonna della Lettera. The port is an industrial port rather than a leisure port, but it is interesting to see the cruise ships: there were two of these towering above the town when we visited!

Places to visit near Messina

From Messina you can easily reach the Peloritani Mounts, surrounded with green woods and dotted with old farmhouses and small villages (Basicò, Tripi, Mazzarà, San Andrea and others).

Take the scenic road along the coast north-east of Messina to the pretty village of Torre di Faro. The road passes some lovely villas and gardens and two salt water lagoons.

The old town and medieval quarters of Milazzo are well worth a visit and Reggio de Calabre is a historic town with lots to see including a medieval castle and an impotant museum.

The region also offers visitors the opportunity to try the typical local products of Messina and its region: especially locally produced fishes, meats and cheeses. Among these are Ricotta (made from sheeps milk), 'tuma', and home-cooked macaroni with sword-fish (a fish typical of the area of Messina). Lamb, sweet and sour rabbit, and cod from Messina are also popular. There are also excellent local wines, in addition to Faro we suggest you try the Nero d'Avola and the wine of Etna.

Related article: the history of Messina