Travel Guide to Messina, Italy

The history of the City of Messina is cloaked in many fascinating myths and legends. This is a true city of fairytales, an enchanting and mysterious place. According to one of tales, angry Neptune threw his trident into land and separated Sicily, turning it into a lonely island. Later another god, Saturn, was amazed by the beauty of the island and founded a wonderful city in it, giving it the name Zankle. This is one of the most famous myths about the origin of the city, but there are many others.

Today Messina is a major port city, which has had a great strategic importance during all its history. Both military and trade routes are located here. Today you can see many beautiful yachts in the port of the city. Here are organized boat trips and excursions to the most beautiful places of the island. We should also mention that the city is quite small, but, despite this fact, it has many notable places that are definitely worth visiting.

First of all, this refers to ancient cathedrals, temples and churches, which are found throughout Messina. The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary Most is the most large-scale complex of this place. The church was built in the 12th century on the site of an ancient pagan temple. The central part of the town is the location of Dome Cathedral, which was completed in 1160. This is the oldest church on the island. The only monument referring to the Gothic architecture is the Church of Via Santa Maria Aleman, which has been partially destroyed during military operations. You can also see the fountain of Neptune and the source of the Orion - the monuments, illustrating the stories of myths on the main square of the town.

Messina also has numerous entertaining activities for its visitors. Here you will find shopping arcades and magnificent parks, and, of course, authentic Italian restaurants - a real treasure for gourmet travellers.