Messina is often called the Gate of Sicily because of its location where the island is furthest away from mainland Italy. It is a large, lively city and one of the main centers of Sicily. It is a good base for exploring the northern part of it.
Although Messina was founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, its history continues for almost 3,000 people. years, there are surprisingly few monuments here. The reason for this was a powerful earthquake that struck the area in 1908. It caused a tsunami wave that helped the work of destruction.
The oldest and best-preserved monument and the main attraction of Messina is the Cathedral. It is a Romanesque building with proportional shapes and nice stone ornaments. Next to it there is a bell tower with a pyramidal top, and in front of the church there is a marble Orion Fountain. In the Cathedral's Treasury Museum you can admire a wonderful collection of sacred art and liturgical objects.
The regional MuMe museum also has an excellent collection, where you can learn about the history of Messina and see works of art, architectural elements and fragments of church decorations saved from destruction.
One of the most important points of the city is the port of Messina. It operates ferry connections with mainland Italy as well as with the nearby Aeolian Islands. At the port there is a quay with a promenade from which you can admire the views of the Strait of Messina.
