Messina, Italy

Welcome to Messina, a beautiful harbor city located in the northeast corner of Sicily, Italy. As the third largest city on the island, Messina boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious local cuisine. The city is also an important access terminal to Calabria region, Villa San Giovanni, Reggio Calabria on the mainland. Let’s dive into the history of this fascinating city. Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Messina was originally called Zancle, meaning scythe, because of the shape of its natural harbor. Later, it was renamed Messene in honor of the Greek city Messene. Throughout its history, Messina has been ruled by various empires, including the Byzantine Empire, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards. The city has faced numerous challenges, including earthquakes, plagues, and bombings during World War II, but has always managed to rebuild and thrive. Today, visitors can explore the city’s many religious and civil landmarks, including the Cathedral, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Carmelo, and the Botanical Garden Pietro Castelli. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the astronomical clock in the bell tower of the Cathedral, which features mechanically animated statues that illustrate events from the city’s history. For those interested in military history, the Forte del Santissimo Salvatore and the Forte Gonzaga are must-see attractions. And of course, no trip to Messina would be complete without trying the local cuisine, which includes wine production and cultivating lemons, oranges, mandarin oranges, and olives. Come and experience the charm and beauty of Messina for yourself!