The 7 must-see attractions in Messina
Messina is one of Italy’s emblematic cities. It is located on the island of Sicily and is a tourist destination with many historical and cultural charms for visitors to discover, as well as a wide variety of gastronomic offerings.
Messina Cathedral, historic monumentAn essential visit is to enjoy the Messina Cathedral. It is a building located right in the Piazza del Duomo, opposite the Orion Fountain. The cathedral dates from the 12th century, with later elements such as the Baroque column of the Virgin Mary, created by Giuseppe Buceti in the 18th century. After the earthquake at the beginning of the 20th century, the church had to be rebuilt due to the damage caused by the tremor. It also features Gothic-style carved stone portals and houses some medieval reliefs of great importance.
Discovering the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock of Messina is another attraction for tourists. It is a large bell tower 60 metres high, and in 1933 the city’s famous astronomical clock was installed. The beautiful spectacle visitors can watch features a series of animated figures that take part in the show throughout the day.
The Regional Museum is another important visit, a museum comprising the Painting Gallery, sculpture and an important archaeology section. Visitors can see different collections with emblematic pieces such as a sculpture of Saint Anthony by Antonello Gagini, or the painting by Goro di Gregorio known as the Virgin of Francesco Laurana with the Child, the Adoration of the Shepherds and the Resurrection of Lazarus by Caravaggio.
Fontana dei Nettuno and Vittorio Emanuele III Gallery
The Fountain of Neptune or Neptune Fountain is another important landmark in Messina. It is one of the historic fountains in Italy and is located right in the city centre. It was built in 1557 and features a large sculpture of Neptune by Montorsoli, flanked by the figures of Scylla and Charybdis, the two monsters that, according to Greek mythology, inhabited the Strait of Messina.
A visit to the Camposanto or Monumental Cemetery of Messina is highly recommended. It is a truly beautiful cemetery set in a natural area, where you can see various features such as sculptures and monuments in the neoclassical style, Art Nouveau, as well as lush gardens where you can take a stroll while admiring the sculptures. At the top, next to the museum, is the Pantheon of the city’s leading citizens, a spot to enjoy the best views.
The Madonnina is another attraction. It is a small promontory located in the port of Messina, an area where the remains of the well-known Fort of San Salvatore citadel can be found. It dates from the 17th century and features a large 60-metre octagonal column built in 1934, as well as a statue at the top of the Madonna Della Lettera, better known as the Madonnina.
The Vittorio Emanuele III Gallery is another of Messina’s places not to be missed, as it is similar to the one in Milan. It was built in iron, although it had to be rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century. It is a large shopping centre with a multitude of shops of all kinds, restaurants and some cafés where you can enjoy the local cuisine.
Source | Tripadvisor
Photo | Ken-1-Pixabay
Photo 2 | Whoefle-Pixabay
