Messina and the legends of the Strait
The waters of the strait between Messina and Reggio Calabria have in the past been the scene of ancient legends: from Scylla and Charybdis, the Maga Circe, to the myth of the fairy Morgan. Messina, the gateway to Sicily, is today a lively modern city, rebuilt almost entirely after the earthquake that hit it in 1908. In the historic centre, the only part of the city that survived the natural catastrophe comprises the marvellous Justinian period Cathedral dedicated to Saint Maria, the sixteenth-century Orion Fountain and the Astronomical Clock. Of great value are the Byzantine Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani and the Gothic one of Santa Maria degli Alemanni up to the imposing eighteenth-century Calapi-D’Alcontres Palace.
A few steps from the Duomo, you should take a look at the Palazzo del Monte di Pietà, and the Shrine of Christ the King, which stands imposing sixty meters above sea level and in Norman times expanded to the Castle of Rocca Guelfonia, home of Richard the Lionheart. Another highlight is the Gothic and Romanesque sanctuary of Montalto, dedicated to the Madonna delle Vittorie, with two twin bell towers and a precious sixteenth-century crucifix.
Facing the sea, the Fountain of Neptune and the Madonnina di Porto used to welcome the sailors who entered the port in ancient times.
Messina, between culture and folklore
Messina has a lively past, starting from a Greek colony, later being the main port of the Roman Empire and subsequently becoming a rich bourgeois city during the Renaissance. Damaged by an initial earthquake in 1783, devastated by the earthquake of 1908 and battered by the bombs of the Second World War, it again found the strength to rise and put spotlights on its glorious past.
Experience the figurative art of Messina from the 12th to the 18th century, being preserved in the “MiBACT” archive: paintings, sculptures, works of art and decorative artefacts including works by prestigious authors such as Antonello Caravaggio are kept inside of its rooms.
No less valuable is the Regional Museum where you can admire the five panels of the polyptych "Madonna with San Gregorio and San Benedetto" by Antonello da Messina. In the Vittorio Emanuele Theatre, visitors can admire the neoclassical forms, the ceiling which has been exquisitely painted by Renato Guttuso and a seasonal program of theatrical works, lyrical and dance shows.
Finally, the Feast of the Annunciation with two large equestrian statues of the warrior Griffin and the noble lady Mata as well as the folk festival Vara, a large allegorical chariot celebrating the triumphal entry of Charles V in Messina, finished with incredible fireworks, are two cultural highlights not to be missed.
Messina of Natural Parks and Protected Reserves: Discovering the Nebrodi Mountains and Etna Park
With its dense areas of forests, steep peaks and green pastures from the heights, the Nebrodi Mountains retain the pristine aspect of lost millennial Sicily and are the ideal starting point for wonderful trekking routes. The discovery of the territory continues towards the slopes of Etna, with its steaming and often snow-capped peak, a huge and threatening presence that stands out on the Ionian coast, from Messina to Catania.
Over the centuries Etna it has been an inexhaustible source of myths and legends including the Cyclops Rocks, the coast of Aci Trezza, Homer’s Odyssey: take a tour circumnavigating the volcano through the Circumetnea railway and pay a visit to the still steaming crater. Moving into the sea, not to be missed, the tour to the small volcanoes’ islands of Aeolian archipelago: from Alicudi and Filicudi, to Stromboli, Panarea and Lipari, up to Salina and Vulcano.
Sun & Beaches: Messina, the land of the Cyclops
Between Brolo and Testa di Monaco, crossing citrus groves and dense vegetation of Mediterranean scrub, there are two wonderful natural coves characterized by long golden sand beaches, bathed by clear crystalline waters. A short distance away, Capo Cavalà is worth a visit for lovers of wild nature and trekking with a beautiful pebble beach set in an inlet protected by two rocky peaks Furthermore, you should visit the coast that stretches from Patti to Tindari including Marinello beach, which is particularly appreciated by families with children and lovers of relaxation. Capo Alì, about twenty km from Messina, is a long pebble beach and a privileged destination for young people and snorkelers. The marvellous seaside area of Ganzirri with the characteristic lakes Pantano Grande and Pantano Piccolo is the destination for an increasing number of tourists every year thanks to the thriving trade in fresh and delicious fish products.
Finally, Capo Peloroor Punta Faro build the northern tip of Sicily, the area closest to Italy. Located here is Mortelle, the favourite resort of the Messina residents thanks to the numerous beaches and the variety of seaside bars, pizzerias and restaurants where you can spend pleasant evenings caressed by the sea breeze.
An adventurous holiday: river trekking and body rafting
The spectacular Alcantara Gorges, a protected Regional Park between the provinces of Catania and Messina, are worth a visit for its impressive lava walls sculpted by water, its delightful beach and the wonderful hiking trails that line the bank of the river through citrus groves and panoramic points of immense scenic beauty.
From the Mitogio Bridge to Mount Miramare or along the Larderia Gorges to the Botanical Park, there are numerous personalized itineraries to discover a unique territory. For the more adventurous, don't miss the river trekking and, in the warmer seasons, body rafting.
Tindari, the city of Dionysius of Syracuse
Tindari, located in the municipality of Messina, once was a Syracusan colony founded by Dionisio of Syracuse. Today it still impresses tourists with the majestic traces of its 4th century Basilica, the imposing access to the agora and the ancient spas and tabernas of the first century B.C.
Furthermore, the protective walls with doors and towers and the Roman amphitheatre, built using the conformation of the hill, are very impressive. On the acropolis stands the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna which was completely rebuilt after being sacked by Saracen pirates. You should also not miss a visit to the cave of the marvellous Marinello beach, from where a sorceress lured sailors with their sweet song A handful of kilometres from Tindari, the wonderful beach of Capo d'Orlando attracts visitors with fine sand that mixes with the sea and the green of myrtle, juniper and tamarisk bushes.
Taormina, a landscape "created to seduce the eyes, the mind and the imagination" (G. de Maupassant)
“Tauromenion” or Taormina was the first Greek colony in Sicily founded in the 4th century BC, is still synonymous with glamor, elegance and good taste. Its enchanting buildings hidden among alleys and small squares perfumed with flowers surrounded by lush gardens, colourful boutiques and picturesque streets dotted with trendy clubs, luxurious hotels and ancient houses lead to views of breath-taking seascapes. Also the Roman Baths, the Cathedral of San Nicolò, the Church of Sant’Agostino, which stands out on the wonderful Piazza IX Aprile, and the Baroque Church of San Giuseppe with the famous Clock Tower are attractive landmarks. Taormina also offers an immense variety of internationally renowned cultural and artistic events such as Taormina Arte, Taormina Film Fest and the TaoBuk.
Finally, the marvellous Ancient Theatre’s stage is famous for hosting world-renowned artists such as Liz Taylor, Cary Grant, Marlon Brando and, recently, Richard Gere.
A few kilometres from Taormina, Giardini Naxos is the destination of the international jet set and famous all over the world for the soft velvet beaches adjacent to the marina that extend up to Capo Taormina and Isola Bella.
