How to use the guide?

It’s really easy!

The itinerary I have created is set up so that you have a practical route to explore the city! Before each attraction you will find buttons like the one below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

Example !

Just press over the button and you will be guided with google maps to the next point! Once you reach your destination you can come back to this guide and read or listen to all the information and trivia!

In the next paragraph I will also leave you with a map of the entire route but you won’t need it to explore the city!

If you want to see a demo of how to use the guide, click on the button below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

Show me a demo!
What to do in Messina in a day?

Welcome to Messina: the gateway to the beautiful Sicily. Thanks to its strategic position it has been conquered and dominated by different civilizations over the centuries.

Rich in history and culture, the city has also suffered damage from several earthquakes throughout its history, but has always demonstrated a great capacity for recovery, rising from its rubble several times.

The route I propose today begins with a visit to the Shrine of Christ the King (click here to get there immediately). The tour includes a route of about 7 kilometers and will last from 2 to 3 hours.😀

Ps: if you need anything, feel free to contact me on Whatsapp by clicking here!

And now… let’s go!

The tour!

Map Preview & How to use it

Let me show you the preview of our route! By scrolling the guide you will find buttons to click that will always take you to the next attraction/monument (so this map is just to give you an idea about the itinerary, no need to use it now🤓)!

The yellow markers are the monuments and attractions we will see.

The brown markers are some extras not included in our tour but which you can visit if you have time left.

The red indicators, on the other hand, are some of my favorite restaurants (I tell you more about them at the end)!

I would say we are ready to get started!

Introduction & History of the city

Also known as the “Gateway to the Two Sicilies,” Messina is the first city you come across after crossing the famous Strait of Messina. This name was given to it because in the 18th century it was the main access point between Sicily and the Kingdom of Naples, which together constituted the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

With a population of around 200,000, we are in a place rich in history but also in fantastic beaches and an incredible gastronomic culture! But first, let’s delve a little deeper into the history!

Messina has a thousand-year history marked by dominations, trade and reconstructions. Thanks to its strategic position on the “Strait of Messina”, it has always represented a natural bridge between Sicily and Calabria, playing a fundamental role in the maritime traffic of the Mediterranean.

Origins and Greco-Roman Period

Founded around the 8th century BC by Greek colonists from Chalcis and initially called Zancle, it later became Messana with the arrival of the Messenians in the 5th century BC. Under the Romans, it was an important commercial and military centre.

Middle Ages: Byzantines, Arabs and Normans

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Messina came under the control of the Byzantines, who governed it for several centuries until the Arab conquest in the 9th century. The Arabs strengthened its economy, but in 1061 the Normans, led by Roger I of Hauteville, reconquered it, transforming it into a thriving commercial port and a rich cultural center.

Swabian, Angevin and Aragonese Dominations

Under the Swabians and then the Angevins , Messina played a key role in Sicilian events, actively participating in the Sicilian Vespers in 1282, the revolt against French rule that led to the government of the Aragonese . During this period, the city grew rich thanks to trade with the Mediterranean and the support of the Spanish sovereigns.

Spanish Era and Decline

From the 15th to the 18th century, Messina was under Spanish rule, maintaining a certain autonomy and strong economic development. However, in 1674 a revolt against the Spanish broke out, which was violently repressed. This marked the beginning of a decline, accentuated by earthquakes and plagues.

Earthquakes and Rebirth

The earthquake of 1783 caused serious damage, but it was the earthquake of December 28, 1908 that razed much of the city, causing over 80,000 victims. Messina was rebuilt with earthquake-proof criteria, but suffered further damage during the Second World War, due to Allied bombing.

Messina Today

Today Messina is a modern city, with an important port and a solid maritime tradition. Its history, marked by destruction and rebirth, makes it a symbol of resistance and strength.

The origin of the name Messina is the subject of various hypotheses, but one of the most accredited is linked to the ancient history of the city. The name probably derives from the ancient Greek “Zancle”, which was the original name of the city.

Zancle means “sickle” in Greek, a reference to the crescent shape of the promontory on which the city sits, which resembles a sickle or a “zanco”, a type of scimitar.

Later, during the Roman expansion, the city changed from Zancle to Messana, a name that may have been influenced by the Latin language. Some scholars believe that Messana may derive from a Greek form “Mesana”, meaning “central place” or “middle ground”, probably due to the strategic position of the city between the sea and the inland lands.

The name Messana changed over time until it became Messina in the Middle Ages.

And now let’s start our itinerary!

let's start 🇮🇹 !

A. Shrine of Christ the King

The Shrine of Christ the King in Messina is a monumental tomb erected in 1937 to house the remains of soldiers who fell during the two world wars. Designed by Giovan Battista Milani and inaugurated in 1937, the Shrine is located on the site where the castle of Rocca Guelfonia once stood, also known as the castle of Matagrifone.

Rocca Guelfonia, an ancient castle in Messina, disappeared due to frequent earthquakes, particularly those of 1693 and 1908, which severely damaged its structure. After the disaster of 1908, the ruins were abandoned and, over time, demolished.

From its panoramic point, the Shrine offers one of the most spectacular views of the Strait of Messina.


The temple, characterized by a central plan, is surmounted by a dome with eight ribs. At the base of each rib there are as many bronze statues, modeled by the Roman sculptor Teofilo Raggio, depicting the cardinal and theological virtues. On the dome there is a six-meter-high lantern and a sphere on which a cross is placed.

 

The entrance is decorated with two symbolic figures, representing Italy and Messina, while on the entrance steps stands a statue of Christ the King, made by the sculptor Tore Edmondo Calabrò. The same sculptor also created the statue of the Madonna della Lettera, which is located in the port of Messina and which I will tell you about later.

Next to the church stands what remains of the castle’s octagonal tower, where in 1935 a 130 quintal bell was installed (just think of the effort it took to lift and install it!), one of the largest in Italy, cast using bronze from cannons taken from enemies during the First World War.

 

Inside the Shrine is a monument to the Unknown Soldier, created by the sculptor Antonio Bonfiglio. The walls contain the remains of 110 soldiers who fell during the First World War and 1,288 from the Second World War, of which 161 remain unknown.

Most of these victims lost their lives in 1943 during the fighting for the defense of Sicily. Another plaque commemorates the 21 sailors who died in the naval battle of Punta Stilo on July 9, 1940.

The Shrine is open from Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 12:30 and on Saturday from 9:30 to 14. On Sunday it is closed. Access is free.

We continue our tour until we reach the Fountain of Neptune!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

B. Fountain of Neptune

The Fountain of Neptune was created in 1557 by the sculptor Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli.

It was initially placed near the port with Neptune looking out to sea. During the anti-Bourbon uprisings, the fountain was damaged by cannon fire. The original statues of Scylla and Neptune were replaced in 1858 and 1888 respectively.

Today, the original statues are exhibited at the Regional Museum of Messina. In 1934, the fountain was moved and re-oriented, in fact now the statue of Neptune faces the sea.

The fountain is characterized by a large octagonal basin with marine decorations. On the edge of the basin are engraved the names of the sculptor, the viceroy Giovanni Cerda and the senators of the time. In the center, stands the statue of Neptune with the trident in his left hand and the right hand stretched towards the horizon to calm the waters of the Strait. At his feet are the statues of Scylla and Charybdis, tied. In the past, the fountain was enriched by two bronze statues of Charles III of Bourbon and Francis I, melted down to produce bullets during the revolution of 1848.

The 1848 revolution in Messina was part of a broad movement of upheavals that occurred throughout Europe during that year, known as the “People’s Spring”. In Sicily, social and political tensions culminated in an insurrection against Bourbon rule, which controlled the island as part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

The myth of Scylla and Charybdis is one of the most fascinating stories of Greek mythology, set in the Strait of Messina, the stretch of sea that separates Sicily from Calabria. These two sea monsters represent insurmountable dangers for sailors, forced to choose which to fear more.

 

Scylla: The Monster from the Cliff

Scylla was originally a beautiful nymph, daughter of Phorcys and Crateis. According to myth, the sea god Glaucus fell in love with her and asked the sorceress Circe to help him conquer her. However, Circe fell in love with Glaucus and, out of jealousy, transformed Scylla into a hideous sea monster.

 

Scylla became a creature with six ferocious dog heads and a body surrounded by snakes. She lived on a cliff and, when ships passed too close, she grabbed the sailors in her jaws, devouring them without mercy.

 

Charybdis: the sea vortex

Charybdis, on the other hand, was a daughter of Poseidon and Gaia, condemned by Zeus for her voracity. It is said that she stole Heracles’ cattle and, as punishment, the king of the gods transformed her into a sea monster capable of swallowing enormous quantities of water three times a day and spitting it out creating gigantic whirlpools capable of swallowing entire ships.

 

The eternal threat to navigators

The two monsters were on opposite sides of the Strait of Messina: Scylla on the Calabrian coast and Charybdis on the Sicilian coast. The sailors, therefore, were forced to choose between getting too close to Scylla and risking losing some of their crew or challenging Charybdis and risking being sucked into her whirlpool.

 

This dilemma is told in Homer’s Odyssey, where Ulysses, following the advice of the sorceress Circe, decides to pass near Scylla, sacrificing some men in order to avoid the vortex of Charybdis and save the ship.

 

The symbolic meaning

The myth of Scylla and Charybdis has become a metaphor for difficult situations in which one must choose between two inevitable evils, a concept similar to the expression “between a rock and a hard place.”

 

Even today, the two monsters continue to live in Sicilian and Calabrian folklore and culture, representing the strength and mystery of the sea that separates the two lands.



Known locally as “U Strittu”, it not only connects the city with Villa San Giovanni, in the province of Reggio Calabria, but is also shrouded in myths and legends.

One of the most fascinating phenomena is that of the Fata Morgana, an optical illusion that blurs the band above the horizon, making islands or boats appear distorted. In Messina, this effect creates a suggestive view of the coast. The name comes from the mythological figure of the Fata Morgana, belonging to Celtic legends, who with her illusions deceived sailors, leading them to get lost in the water and die.

In times past, it was also believed that monstrous creatures lived in the center of the Strait, a belief fueled by the powerful whirlpools generated by the meeting of opposing currents.

Now we are heading to the Palace of the Monte di Pietà!

let's go 🇮🇹 !

C. Palace of the Monte di Pietà

The Monte di Pietà of Messina was established in 1581 by the Archconfraternity of the Azzurri and arose on the ruins of an ancient church dedicated to San Basilio.

The building served as the administrative headquarters of the Monte di Pietà and as a place where objects pledged by citizens in exchange for loans were stored. The Monte di Pietà was a financial institution founded in the late Middle Ages with the aim of offering low-interest loans to those in financial difficulty. These institutions were created as an alternative to usury, which at the time was practiced by private bankers with very high interest rates.

In 1616, construction of the current palace began, following the design of the architect Natale Masuccio. Originally, the building had only one level.

In 1741, some changes were made, including the addition of an upper floor, a bell tower and a spectacular staircase, designed by Antonino Basile. At the centre of the staircase was placed a fountain decorated with the statue of Abundance, the work of the sculptor Ignazio Buceti.

The palace suffered significant damage from earthquakes in 1783 and 1908, with much of the upper floor collapsing in the latter seismic event. Further devastation was caused by bombing during World War II.

Restoration work began in 1979, and today the building is used for cultural activities.

The Palace of the Monte di Pietà is an example of Mannerist architecture. Mannerist architecture is a style that developed between the end of the Renaissance and the beginning of the Baroque, between the 16th and 17th centuries in Italy. The façade features a portal surmounted by a pediment. On either side of the portal are two windows on each side, framed by triangular pediments and separated by decorative niches.

The upper floor, added in the 18th century, included a central balcony flanked by windows. Although the balcony and the lower portion of the windows are still visible, the upper portion of the building was destroyed in the 1908 earthquake.

Along the staircase we notice a typical detail of Sicilian culture: the Moor’s heads. But what is the origin of all this?

It is said that in 11th century Palermo, during the Arab domination, in the Kalsa district – once the sultan’s residence – there lived a young woman of extraordinary beauty. She spent her days lovingly caring for the plants and flowers on her balcony.

One day, a young man of Moorish origins passing by the street noticed the girl and was deeply fascinated by her. Seized by an uncontrollable passion, he decided to conquer her and, without hesitation, entered her house to declare his love. The girl, struck by the strength of that feeling, let herself be carried away by passion and returned his affection. However, she soon discovered that the young man would return to the East, where a wife and children awaited him.

Hurt by the betrayal and fearing abandonment, the girl waited for the night. When the man fell asleep, she killed him and cut off his head. To keep him with her forever, she transformed that macabre trophy into a vase, in which she planted basil and displayed it on her balcony.

The plant grew luxuriantly, arousing the admiration of the inhabitants of the neighborhood, who, to emulate its beauty, had terracotta vases made in the shape of a Moor’s head. Since then, this tradition has remained alive over time, becoming a symbol of Sicily.

Did you know that Messina is the longest city in Italy?

It extends for about 55 km along the north-eastern coast of Sicily, following the profile of the Strait of Messina. This particular conformation means that the city is very developed in length but less in width, with a territory that winds between the sea and the Peloritani mountains.

Although other Italian cities have larger surfaces (such as Rome, which is the largest in terms of area), Messina holds the record for its particular length of coastline.

Now we cross the Vittorio Emanuele III Gallery.

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

D. Vittorio Emanuele III Gallery

Vittorio Emanuele III Gallery was built between 1924 and 1929, designed by architect Camillo Puglisi Allegra. Since 2000, it has been recognized as a property of historical and artistic interest, as it represents a significant example of 20th century architecture. Today, inside it hosts restaurants and cocktail bars, making it one of the liveliest places of Messina’s nightlife.

The gallery is one of the four buildings that border Antonello Square in Messina, the result of the reconstruction of the city after the devastating earthquake of 1908. Although built in different periods, these buildings maintain a stylistic harmony.

  • The first to be completed was the Post Office in 1913, designed by architect Vittorio Mariani.
  • In 1918, the Provincial Palace, designed by Alessandro Giunta, was inaugurated, built where the Knights Templar complex once stood.

  • The Town Hall, designed by the Palermo architect Antonio Zanca, was completed in 1924.
  • Finally, in 1929, the Vittorio Emanuele III Gallery was completed and inaugurated on August 13, coinciding with the reopening of the Duomo.

The construction of the building was financed by the General Electric Company of Sicily, which aimed to create a prestigious commercial and residential area, as well as ensuring an adequate location for its offices.

From a stylistic point of view, the Gallery combines eclectic and deco elements. Its structure develops in three arms arranged in a “Y”, which converge in a central point, surmounted by a spectacular glass dome.

Let’s move now to the Sanctuary of Montalto!

let's go 🇮🇹 !

E. Sanctuary of Montalto

The Sanctuary of Montalto is an important church in Messina, located in the upper part of the city and dedicated to the Madonna of Victories.

In the past, on the site where the sanctuary stands today, there was a church and a monastery, both razed to the ground by the earthquake of 1908. This area of the city, known as Colle della Caperrina, is also called the “Campidoglio of Messina”, as it was the scene of one of the battles of the Sicilian Vespers in 1282.

The Sicilian Vespers were a popular uprising that took place on March 30, 1282 in Sicily, against the French domination of the Angevins, who governed the island under King Charles I of Anjou. This historic event marked the beginning of a war of independence for Sicily, which lasted several years.

According to tradition, during the siege of the Angevins, the Madonna appeared as a White Lady, protecting Messina, deflecting enemy arrows and making the city walls invisible with her cloak.

Another legend dates back to 1294, when the Virgin appeared in a dream to a friar named Nicola, asking him to gather the city authorities on the Colle della Caperrina. It is said that, at midday, a dove drew with its flight the perimeter of the future church, whose construction was completed in 1295 with the name of Blessed Virgin of Montalto.

With the destruction of the church and the annexed monastery, built in 1389, the Sanctuary of Montalto was rebuilt in that very place, keeping alive the link with its ancient history.

The current structure of the sanctuary is the result of a reconstruction that took place in two phases. A first building was built in 1911, following anti-seismic criteria, with the apse oriented to the east and the entrance facing west. In 1928, the apse was demolished to make room for the two bell towers.

Inside, it houses several works of art of great value, including:

  • A 14th century wooden panel depicting the Madonna,
  • A silver Manta ray engraved by Filippo Juvarra,
  • A 15th century wooden crucifix,
  • Two marble holy water stoups dating back to the end of the eighteenth century.

In 1929, the 25 bells of the sanctuary were made by the Colbacchini company of Padua, using bronze melted from enemy cannons captured during the First World War. A detail that gives these bells a further symbolic meaning, linked to peace and victory.

The name of Messina has reached space. In the main asteroid belt, a region of our solar system located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, there is an asteroid that bears the name of the city of the Strait: “1949 Messina”.

This asteroid was discovered in July 1936 by the South African astronomer Cyril V. Jackson. During his study trips, Jackson stayed for a few days in Messina, being struck by the beauty of the landscape and the hospitality of its inhabitants.

After this short stay, the astronomer decided to dedicate one of his first asteroids discovered in the main belt to the name of the Sicilian city.

Now we move to Cathedral Square!

to the cathedral 🇮🇹 !

F. Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square is the most important square in Messina, where some of the city’s main monuments are located.

Its position is linked to the religious and civil importance that the Cathedral of Messina has had over the centuries. The square, as we know it today, is the result of numerous renovations and transformations, especially after the earthquake of 1908.

Here every year there are several public events and festivities. In this square there are three very important monuments for the city of Messina: the Cathedral, the astronomical tower and the fountain of Orion.

The Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, or better known as the Cathedral of Messina, is the main religious and cultural symbol of the city.

The construction of the Cathedral of Messina was commissioned by Count Roger during the Norman period, with the official consecration taking place in 1197 in the presence of Emperor Henry VII of Swabia. Over the centuries, the church has suffered numerous damages due to the earthquakes of 1693, 1783 and especially the devastating one of 1908, which destroyed much of the building.

After the earthquake, the Cathedral was rebuilt according to the design of the architect Francesco Valenti, but it also suffered damage during the bombings of the Second World War. Despite these events, the Cathedral was later restored, with an attempt to bring it back to its original form and style.

The facade of the Cathedral is characterized by three late Gothic portals. The central portal was created between the 14th and 15th centuries by the artist Antonio Baboccio da Piperno, while the right lateral portal, designed by Polidoro da Caravaggio, was completed in 1545 by Rinaldo Bonanno.

The interior of the church is divided into three naves and is decorated with various mosaics, the oldest of which is found in the left apse and dates back to the fourteenth century.

Among the most famous works inside, we find the gilded copper canopy of the high altar, replaced after the damage in 1943, but retaining a decoration by Pietro Juvarra.

The side aisles house the statues of the Apostles, created in 1550 by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli.

 

The polyphonic organ of the Cathedral, built in 1948 by the Tamburini company of Cremona, is the second largest in Italy, after the one in the Milan Cathedral.

With five keyboards, a fan pedalboard and 17,500 pipes, it is one of the most impressive and prestigious musical instruments in the country.

The Cathedral Treasury is one of the most significant collections, consisting of sacred furnishings, vestments and reliquaries, many of which were made by master silversmiths from Messina. The most valuable piece is the “Golden Mantle” of the Madonna della Lettera, a work commissioned in 1659 by the Florentine goldsmith Innocenzo Mangani. The work was created from 1661 to 1668 with the collaboration of the master Giovan Gregorio Juvarra.

To finance the creation of this work, the Senate of Messina imposed a tax on university graduates, collecting 30,000 scudi which, today, can be converted into approximately 6,120,000 euros.

Among the other treasures kept in the Cathedral are silver reliquaries of Saint Martian, Saint Nicholas and Saint Paul, as well as a rock crystal pine cone, which has been used as a reliquary of the hair of Mary of Nazareth since the 10th century.

On the occasion of the Feast of the Madonna of the Letter, which is celebrated on June 3, the crystal pine cone is carried in procession inside a processional float.

The Duomo is open every day from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 16:00 to 19:30. Audio guides are available for €4 inside the cathedral. Entrance to the cathedral is free. However, if you want to climb the bell tower or visit the Duomo treasury, you need to buy a ticket. The ticket for the Duomo Treasury costs €5, the one for the bell tower €5, while the cumulative ticket that allows you to visit both costs €7.50.

Both attractions are open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 1 pm, and on Tuesdays they are open until 4:30 pm.

The origin of the Bell Tower dates back to the Norman era. After the earthquake of 1783, it underwent an initial modification with the addition of a dome, but in 1863 it was demolished because it was considered unsafe. Its current appearance is the result of the reconstruction following the devastating earthquake of 1908. In 1933, the astronomical clock made by the Ungerer company of Strasbourg was installed. This astronomical clock is considered one of the largest and most complex in the world.

Every day, at noon, the system starts up: the rooster crows three times, followed by the lion, who roars and moves his head and tail. Subsequently, to the notes of Franz Schubert’s Ave Maria, the animated scenes of the Madonna of the Letter with the ambassadors and the Sanctuary of Montalto come to life.

Located at the top of the Bell Tower, the golden lion statue is 4 meters high and symbolizes the strength of Messina and the courage of its inhabitants during the War of the Vespers of 1282. At 12:00, the sculpture comes to life: it waves the city’s crusader flag, roars and moves its head and tail three times.

A little further down is the statue of the rooster, 2.20 meters high, positioned between the figures of Dina and Clarenza. It is a symbol of vigilance and industriousness, representing the awakening of the city.

On either side of the rooster, two three-meter-high female statues ring bells to mark the time. These figures represent Dina and Clarenza, two heroines from Messina who, according to legend, helped save the city from the Angevin siege in 1282. Dina, throwing stones at the enemies, and Clarenza, ringing the bells to alert the population, helped Messina repel the attack.

One level lower, there is a scene that recalls the meeting between Mary of Nazareth and a delegation of Messina people. According to tradition, in 42 AD, the inhabitants sent emissaries to Palestine to receive the blessing of the Virgin. Mary gave them a letter written in Hebrew, blessing the city. In the clock mechanism, the ambassadors bow to the Madonna, who holds the sacred epistle in her hands.

Furthermore, four biblical scenes are represented which vary throughout the year according to the liturgical calendar:

  • Christmas – Epiphany → Adoration of the Shepherds
  • Epiphany – Easter → Adoration of the Magi
  • Easter – Pentecost → Resurrection of Jesus
  • Pentecost – Christmas → Descent of the Holy Spirit

The statues move in sequence, bringing the religious story to life.

On the penultimate level of the Bell Tower there is a carousel representing the stages of life:

  • Childhood → A child
  • Adolescence → A young man
  • Maturity → A warrior
  • Old age → An old man

These figures move in front of Death, represented by a skeleton with a scythe, symbol of time that passes inexorably. On the last level, the days of the week are represented by seven Roman deities, each on a chariot pulled by different animals.

On the side of the tower are several astronomical devices. There is a lunar sphere that indicates the different phases of the lunar cycle, a planetarium and a calendar composed of a large disk with days and months, automatically updated at midnight by an angelic statue.

As previously mentioned, the foundation of the church is linked to a legend. It is said that the Madonna appeared in a dream to a friar, asking him to gather the authorities on the Colle della Caperrina. At midday, a dove traced the perimeter of the new sacred building. Today, at midday, the clock mechanism reproduces this scene, with a dove flying over the facade of the Bell Tower and the church slowly emerging.

Created by the sculptor Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli on behalf of the Senate of Messina, it draws inspiration from the myth of Orion, a legendary figure often associated with the founding of Messina. The art historian Bernard Berenson called it “the most beautiful fountain of sixteenth-century Europe”.

The Senate of Messina wanted to erect this fountain to celebrate the completion of the city’s first aqueduct. In 1547, the architect Francesco La Cameola managed to channel the waters of the Camaro stream towards a source, on which the monumental structure was then built in 1553. Montorsoli, a student of Michelangelo, used fine Carrara marble and availed himself of the skills of numerous local sculptors to create this Renaissance-style work.

The fountain is composed of three basins. The base is decorated with allegorical representations of four rivers: the Nile, the Tiber, the Ebro (in homage to the Aragonese dynasty) and the Camaro, a local watercourse.

The four sculpted rivers represent the civilizations that have marked history:

  • Egypt , cradle of ancient wisdom .
  • Rome , heart of the Empire.
  • Spain , then the dominant power.
  • Messina , the last and future heir to power.

In the 16th century, the people of Messina imagined their city destined for an imperial role, a prospect shattered by the defeat against Spain in 1679.

At the center of the composition stands a block from which emerge four kneeling tritons who support the second basin, which in turn is embellished with decorations. At the top stands the statue of Orion, flanked by his faithful dog Sirius.

The work was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the city authorities, so much so that the Senate of Messina subsequently entrusted Montorsoli with the design of another fountain, the Neptune fountain that I have already told you about before.

The choice to dedicate the monument to Orion was suggested by the scholar from Messina Francesco Maurolico, who also took care of the drafting of the Latin couplets engraved under the representations of the rivers.

In Greek mythology, Orion was a giant, son of Poseidon and Euryale, while in Roman tradition he was described as a creature born from the union of Jupiter, Neptune and Mercury. Several legends connect the figure of Orion to the city of Messina. According to Diodorus Siculus, the giant helped the king of ancient Zancle, the ancient name of Messina, in the construction of the port. Another version of the myth, reported by Hesiod, tells that Orion, to protect the city from storm surges, transported a large amount of earth, creating what is now Cape Peloro, the extreme northern tip of Sicily. According to this story, he later erected a temple in honor of Neptune on that site.

Let’s continue our tour and move to the Calapaj-d’Alcontres Palace!

let's go 🇮🇹 !

G. Calapaj d'Alcontres Palace

Calapaj d’Alcontres Palace is one of the most prestigious historical buildings in Messina. It is one of the few noble palaces that survived the devastating earthquakes that struck the city.

Built in the first half of the 18th century, the palace belonged to the Calapaj family, an ancient Messina lineage of Spanish origins, and later passed to the noble d’Alcontres family. The structure is a rare example of 18th-century architecture that has remained intact in Messina, characterized by baroque and neoclassical elements.

The building stands out for its elegant façade, with windows surmounted by Rococo-style decorations and an imposing portal that recalls the noble architecture of the time.

Unlike many historic buildings transformed into museums or institutional offices, Calapaj d’Alcontres Palace is still a private residence, inhabited by the family’s heirs.

According to some testimonies, the palace would have hidden underground passages, probably connected to ancient escape routes or to warehouses of the time.

Perhaps not everyone knows that the “flying saucer”, the yacht that transforms into a hydrofoil and which belongs to Emilio Largo, James Bond’s enemy in Operation Thunderball, originally comes from Messina.

Ian Fleming, the author of the 007 stories, devoted himself with extreme attention to the search for realistic details for the adventures of his famous secret agent, so much so that in the book he explicitly mentions Carlo Rodriguez as the creator of the vehicle used by the villain. In the 1965 film, based on the novel Thunderball , the “flying saucer” is a ship composed of two sections. The real vessel, which separates and is used by Emilio Largo for his escape in the finale, is a PT20 hydrofoil built by Cantieri Navali Rodriguez in Italy, very similar to the first model Freccia del Sole.

Purchased for $500,000, the hydrofoil was taken from Puerto Rico to Miami to be refurbished and adapted for the film. The 50-foot-long rear section was custom-built on set, and was equipped with machine guns and smoke screens. After filming, the hydrofoil was no longer used and was moored at the MacArthur Causeway in Miami, where it served as a houseboat until it sank at the dock in the early 1980s.

Now let’s move and head towards the Church of the Holy Annunciation of the Catalans!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

H. Church of the Holy Annunciation of the Catalans

The Church of the Holy Annunciation of the Catalans is a precious example of Norman architecture, built between 1150 and 1200. It stands on the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Neptune, which was once a place of worship frequented by sailors who came to the city and offered tributes as a sign of devotion.

With the arrival of Christianity, the temple was converted to the veneration of the Virgin of the Annunciation, while during the period of Saracen domination it was transformed into an Islamic mosque. Later, with the return of the Normans, it returned to being a place of Christian worship.

Over the centuries, the church was known by various names. Originally, it was called “Annunciation of Sea Castle” or “Castellammare”, due to its proximity to the fortress that controlled access to the port.

In 1271, the building briefly housed the order of the Dominican Fathers. Later, under Aragonese rule, it was elevated to a royal chapel and removed from ordinary ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The kings of Sicily entrusted it to various religious orders and confraternities, including the Sacred Militia of the Greens. In the 15th century, by order of King Louis, the church was annexed to a foundling hospital, a management that continued until 1507.

With the arrival in Sicily of Peter III of Aragon during the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers, the Catalans settled in Messina asked the Spanish Crown to use the church for their religious celebrations. From that moment, the building took on its current name of Church of the Holy Annunciation of the Catalans.

The devastating earthquake of 1908, while razing much of the city, spared the structure, but caused the Baroque elements and other later additions to collapse. This allowed the original architectural appearance of the church to be brought to light. Between 1926 and 1932, under the direction of architect Francesco Valenti, consolidation and restoration work was carried out, at the end of which the building was reopened for worship.

The Church of the Holy Annunciation of the Catalans is a perfect example of a fusion of different architectural styles, reflecting the various dominations that have occurred in the city. Its layout is influenced by the Apulian, Lombard and Pisan Romanesque, with references to Arab and Byzantine art.

Today, the floor level of the church is lower than in the modern city, due to the rising ground caused by floods, accumulations of debris and earthquake rubble.

One of the most valuable elements is the wooden crucifix from the 15th-16th century, made in the artisan workshops of Messina. Originally kept in the Church of Santa Maria di Elenuccia.

After the earthquake of 1908, the crucifix was lost and was found only at the end of the 20th century in an antique shop. Purchased by the Confraternity of Catalans, it was in terrible condition, but it was restored thanks to the Lions Club of Messina Host and placed back in the church on May 31, 1997, on the eve of Corpus Domini.

Perhaps not everyone knows it, but a part of Messina is located in Columbus Circle, the famous circular square in New York. The monument to Christopher Columbus that dominates the square was created by the sculptor from Messina Gaetano Russo. Inaugurated in 1892 to celebrate the fourth centenary of the discovery of America, the marble statue stands on a 21-meter-high granite pedestal, adorned with bronze reliefs depicting Columbus’ three ships: the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. At the foot of the column, an angel holds a globe.

Gaetano Russo, born in Messina on December 29, 1847 and tragically killed during the earthquake of December 28, 1908, was a student of Michele Panebianco. In 1870 he received a grant from the Municipality of Messina to study in Rome, where he frequented Girolamo Masini and Giulio Monteverde. Alternating his work between Rome and Sicily, in Rome he created the large bas-reliefs “The Harvest” and ”Agriculture” for the facade of the building that today houses the Academy of Dramatic Arts, as well as the pediments of the Polyclinic “Umberto I”.

We complete our tour with a visit to the Stele of the Madonna of the Letter!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

I. Stele of the Madonna of the Letter

The Stele of the Madonna of the Letter, which dominates the port of Messina is 53.50 meters high, and is the largest statue dedicated to Mary in all of Sicily. It stands in a strategic point, linked to the myth of Cronus and the history of the city.

Built in just six months in 1934, it was inaugurated with lighting activated remotely by Pope Pius XI, via a radio system by Guglielmo Marconi.

The Stele was built by order of the Archbishop of Messina, Angelo Paino, as a symbol of faith and protection for the city. The statue celebrates the tradition according to which the Virgin Mary sent a letter of blessing to the people of Messina through Saint Paul.

In addition to its religious significance, the stele also represented a sign of rebirth after the devastating earthquake of 1908, which destroyed much of the city. It was conceived as a symbolic monument for Messina, a landmark visible from the sea, almost a spiritual lighthouse that welcomes travelers and protects the Strait.

The Stele is dedicated to the Madonna of the Letter, protector of Messina. Contrary to popular belief, it is not “the Madonna of the port”, but the Madonna who blesses the people of Messina, with her right hand raised in blessing and her left hand holding the sacred scroll of the letter.

The crown on the head of the Madonna was added only in 1954, when it was forged by our arsenal.

Inside there is a staircase that leads to the belvedere, like in Roman triumphal columns.

The Stele is located at the entrance to the port of Messina, in an area historically significant for the city. Here, in 1926, archaeological finds dating back to the colonization phase of the city were found, including Corinthian vases, suggesting the historical continuity of the place as a “sea sanctuary”.

Not everyone knows that there is a time interval in the geological scale that takes its name from the city of Messina. It is called the Messinian, and it is the last of the six levels into which the Miocene is divided, one of the two epochs of the Neogene. This period extends between 7,246 and 5,332 million years ago, for a total duration of 1,914 million years. The term was coined in 1867 by the Swiss geologist Karl Mayer-Eymar, who discovered mineral sediments known as evaporites near the Strait, which allowed him to determine the period in which the Mediterranean increased its salinity due to the almost total evaporation caused by the closure of the Strait of Gibraltar.

And before I leave you, I have to tell you about the delights of this city!

Typical dishes and where to eat them

I believe that visiting a city without trying its typical dishes is a missed opportunity! This is why I want to talk to you about the most famous dishes in the city and our favorite restaurants!

Among the delights of the Sicilian hot table, the Focaccia Messinese stands out, a soft and tall baked product, traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven and served in large rectangular slices. The classic version is topped with tomato, escarole, anchovies and a cheese of your choice between tuma and mozzarella, although there are numerous variations. This specialty is also known as Pizza Messinese, considered a local reinterpretation of the famous Italian pizza.

If focaccia represents the Messina alternative to pizza, Pidone Messinese can be considered a local version of fried pizza. It has a crescent shape similar to calzone and is stuffed with traditional Sicilian ingredients, such as escarole, anchovies and cheese.

Also known as San Daniele, Paté di Sfoglia Messinese is a triangular-shaped puff pastry rustica, filled with ham, tomato and cheese. This delicacy is very common in bars and eateries in the city.

Given Messina’s coastal location, fish is a fundamental element of the local culinary tradition. Among the typical dishes, stockfish and cod stand out, ingredients that are the protagonists of tasty recipes served in restaurants and trattorias in the area.

These are meat rolls marinated in extra virgin olive oil and spices, which are then sprinkled with toasted breadcrumbs to enhance their flavor. Inside there is a tasty filling, where caciocavallo is an essential ingredient. After being rolled, they are grilled on the embers until they obtain a golden and crunchy crust.

Ghiotta is a typical preparation of Messina that consists of a sauce obtained by cooking fish. This sauce is used to enrich various traditional local dishes, such as Spaghetti alla Ghiotta, Swordfish alla Ghiotta and Stocco alla Ghiotta.

Bianco e Nero is the Messina version of profiterole. Although it maintains many characteristics of the original recipe, local variations often feature different fillings, which go beyond the classic chantilly cream.

Summer in Messina would not be the same without its iconic Granita Messinese, which gave rise to the famous coffee granita. It is served with fresh whipped cream and accompanied by the inevitable “brioche con il tuppo”. An essential tradition is to enjoy it by the sea or in one of the many bars on the coast, ordering a refreshing “Menza cu’ Panna”, as it is called by the people of Messina.

Piparelle are crunchy biscuits typical of Messina, made with honey, almonds and flour. Their peculiarity lies in the double cooking, which gives them a fragrant and irresistible consistency.

Torciglione Messinese is a perfect sweet for breakfast, available in two versions: fried or baked. The dough is similar to that of brioche, but it is distinguished by its filling, which can be based on ricotta cream, custard or chocolate.

These dishes represent only a part of the exceptional gastronomic tradition of Messina, a journey of flavors that combines sea and land in a perfect balance.

Pignolata Messinese is a typical Carnival dessert, but today it is eaten all year round. Of Spanish origin, its recipe derives from an older version covered only in honey, also widespread in other Sicilian and Calabrian provinces.

Characterized by its two-tone appearance, the Messina variant includes fried gnocchi covered half with lemon glaze and half with chocolate glaze. This change was introduced to ennoble the dessert at the request of the aristocratic families of the time.

The name “Pignolata” comes from its shape, similar to a pine cone, and the dessert has been recognized as a Traditional Agri-food Product (PAT). Prepared with flour, eggs, lard (or oil) and rum, it is simple to make and perfect for those who love traditional Sicilian desserts.

Where to eat all these delicacies?

The range of restaurants and venues is truly incredible in Messina. I tested several places and these are my favorites:

Il Siciliano: Excellent restaurant in the heart of the historic center! Click here to get there!

Casa & Putia: Great fish dishes! Click here to get there!

Ristorante i Ruggeri: Contemporary restaurant with excellent fish dishes! Click here to get there!

Trattoria Famiglia Morello: Excellent traditional cuisine! Click here to get there!

Rosticceria Famulari: The best of Sicilian street food! Click here to get there!

Passione Eterna Restaurant: Great Pizzeria! Click here to get there!

Perigolosi: Excellent Ice Cream Shop! Click here to get there!

The end?

Taormina

Enchanting town on the eastern coast of Sicily, famous for its Greek Theatre with stunning views of Mount Etna and the sea, its beaches, and its charming historic center.

Etna 

The highest active volcano in Europe, located in eastern Sicily. It offers breathtaking landscapes, spectacular craters, and is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities.

Milazzo

A coastal town in northeastern Sicily, known for its medieval castle, beautiful beaches, and as a gateway to the Aeolian Islands.

Torre Faro

A seaside village near Messina, famous for the Torre Faro Pylon, a towering disused metal structure, and for its stunning views of the Strait of Messina.

Aeolian Islands

A volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the northern coast of Sicily. It consists of seven main islands, including Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli, and Salina, renowned for their natural beauty, beaches, and volcanic activity.

Devil’s Bridge

The Devil’s Bridge, also known as the Maddalena Bridge, is an imposing medieval structure located near Borgo a Mozzano, in the province of Lucca. Built around the 11th century, the bridge is famous for its characteristic asymmetric profile and for the legend that surrounds it, which says that the devil himself contributed to its construction. This bridge, with its slender central arch, is considered one of the masterpieces of medieval engineering and an icon of the Tuscan region.

Submerged village of factories

The Submerged Village of Fabbriche di Careggine is an ancient medieval village located in the province of Lucca, in the Apuan Alps. Founded in the 13th century, the village was submerged in the 1940s with the creation of the hydroelectric dam on the Edron river, which formed the artificial lake of Vagli. The village occasionally resurfaces when the lake is emptied for maintenance, revealing its stone houses, church and other buildings, attracting curious and nostalgic visitors.

Lake Tower

Torre del Lago, officially Torre del Lago Puccini, is a picturesque hamlet located between Lake Massaciuccoli and the Tyrrhenian Sea, a few kilometers from Lucca. This quiet village is famous for being the favorite place of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini, who lived there and composed some of his most famous works. Puccini’s villa, overlooking the lake, is today a museum dedicated to his life and music. Every summer, Torre del Lago hosts the prestigious Puccini Festival, an event that attracts opera enthusiasts from all over the world.

Nottolini aqueduct

The Nottolini Aqueduct is an impressive hydraulic engineering work located near Lucca, built between 1823 and 1851 to supply drinking water to the city. Designed by architect Lorenzo Nottolini, the aqueduct stands out for its long row of stone arches, which extend for approximately 3 kilometers from the source of Guamo to the gates of Lucca. This aqueduct not only represents an important historical infrastructure, but is also a fascinating example of neoclassical architecture, harmoniously inserted into the Tuscan landscape.

Royal Villa of Lucca

The Villa Reale of Lucca is an elegant building located near the city of Lucca, precisely in Marlia. Built in the 17th century and expanded in the 19th century, the villa is known for its large and refined Italian gardens, which include fountains, sculptures and expansive lawns. Originally belonging to the Bourbon family, who ruled Lucca as a duchy, the villa was a summer residence of considerable importance. Today, the Villa Reale is a fascinating location for sightseeing and cultural events, offering a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle and scenic beauty of Tuscany.

Pisa

Pisa, located in the Tuscany region of Italy, is a city famous for its extraordinary architecture and its historic university. Famous throughout the world for the Leaning Tower, a medieval bell tower known for its characteristic tilt, Pisa is also home to iconic monuments such as the Duomo and the Baptistery, all part of the magnificent Campo dei Miracoli, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . In addition to its architecture, Pisa boasts a lively cultural life and an important academic tradition thanks to the University of Pisa, one of the oldest in Europe.

Potholes of the Giants

The Marmitte dei Giganti are a fascinating natural phenomenon located in the Garfagnana, near Lucca. These impressive deep, round holes were formed by water erosion carving out the granite over millennia. The potholes, which are located along the Serchio river, offer a unique geological spectacle and are surrounded by a suggestive mountain landscape. They are a major attraction for geology enthusiasts and those who love exploring nature, also offering opportunities for walking and hiking.

Isola Santa

Isola Santa is a charming village located in the Garfagnana, a mountainous valley in the province of Lucca, Tuscany. This picturesque village, located on the banks of the artificial lake created by the damming of the Turrite River, is known for its enchanting mountain scenery and well-preserved stone houses. Originally a medieval settlement, Isola Santa is today a peaceful place that offers an evocative atmosphere and an excellent base for excursions and walks in the surrounding nature. The beauty of the village and its natural environment make it an ideal destination for nature and history lovers.

All good things must come to an end😬!

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Are you going to visit other cities?

I have prepared different digital guides to enable you to other cities as well. All guides were written in collaboration with locals so that the most authentic stories and advice could be included!

In these digital guides you will find:

  • Itinerary with the highlights of the city (connected with google maps) 📍
  • Historical info, curiosities and funny facts 🤓
  • FOOD TIPS from locals ! Every city has it’s own typical dishes so it’s super important to know about them 😬 Also, thanks to my local friends, you will discover real local restaurants to try them 😋!

I already prepared a special discount for you, you’ll find everything by clicking here!

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Greetings from your Walking Cap!

Matteo