Messina, Italy

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Visit Messina

Messina is situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, a short ferry crossing from mainland italy which lies to the east.

Messina and the earthquakes of 1783 and 1908

We note at the outset of our visit to this Sicilian town that although a significant part of the artistic heritage of Messina was lost during the wars, more important damage was done by earthquakes in 1783 and 1908. The most famous monuments have been reconstructed according to old plans, but it is not surprising that several interiors and paintings have been destroyed.

Highlights of Messina

The tour of can start with the Piazza del Duomo, where we find Messina Cathedral, the origins of which date back to Norman times. The cathedral suffered heavy damage during the earthquake of 1908, but it was rebuilt using a lot of original material (for example, some painted beams). Founded by Roger II in the 12th century it still retains some aspects of medieval artefact, especially the portals (Gothic, of the sixteenth century). Inside it respects the original project because, as in the original, it has three naves, with columns that support ogival arches. Inside, you can still see some sculptures, like a statue of John the Baptist, attributed to Antonello Gagini (1478-1536 c.), and, in the apse side, a mosaic of Saint Lucia of the fourteenth century. The 'Treasury of the Cathedral' is exceptional and includes some jewellery, sacred ornaments, and a wooden crucifix of the fifteenth century.

The bell tower, about 60 meters high which parallels the Duomo, is famous for the curious mechanical and astronomical clock (with robots that are activated at noon). It was rebuilt in the mid-twentieth century. We know that the old tower was damaged by fire in 1559. It was restored but then it collapsed in the earthquake of 1783.

At the centre of the square you can admire the stunning Fontana di Orione ('Fountain of Orion'), erected in honour of Orion, the mythical founder of the city, by A. Montorsoli (a follower of Michelangelo) in the mid-sixteenth century. This is an extraordinary fountain, full of reliefs that are derived from aquatic mythology - several rivers are represented symbolically, including the Tiber (with palms); above is located Orion, a constellation sky, carrying the weapons of Messina, of which, according to legend, he was the founder.

Another important building is the Norman 'Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani' on Via San Giacomo from the 12th century, and with three-nave and cross-vaults, in the Gothic style.

Following Via Garibaldi you come to the Fortress of San Salvatore (16th century), built by Viceroy Ferdinand Gonzaga to defend against possible attacks by the Turks. Between Piazza Garibaldi and Corso Cavour you find the magnificent Teatro (1852), by Pietro Valente, in the neoclassical style. Inside, in the vault, you can admire the Legend of Colapesce by Renato Guttuso.

In Piazza dellUnità there is another fountain built by Montorsoli, the Neptune Fountain. The tall figure of Neptune, with a trident in his hands, puts his right leg next to a dolphin. The statue is on a base with the coat of arms of Emperor Charles V (1500-1558). Opposite the fountain of Neptune, stands the Palace of the Prefecture (1920) by Cesare Bazzani in Renaissance style. Also worthy of consideration is the church of San Giovanni di Malta (16th century) by Jacopo del Duca (1520-1604).

Messina Regional Museum

North of the Piazza della Libertà stands the important Regional Museum, divided into 14 rooms. Each of them is devoted to a significant painter: among them are a remarkable work by Antonello da Messina (the Polyptych of San Gregorio, Room IV) and works by Caravaggio ( the Adoration of the Shepherds, and The Resurrection of Lazarus [ Room X]. Particularly interesting is also the room V, where there are work by Girolamo Alibrandi and others of sixteenth century. You can also see the remains of much work, saved though not intact, such as the Presentation in the Temple also by Alibrandi, reduced to 280 fragments. In the hall VIII you can admire the work by Alessandro Allori (1535-1607).

Leaving the museum, you can visit the 13th century Church of Santa Maria degli Alemanni, severely damaged in the earthquake of 1783, but that did not suffer irreparable damage from the earthquake of 1908. It is in three naves with cross-vaults and ogival arches; the capitals are decorated with floral motifs and various figures.

Among other religious buildings, some worthy of mention include the church of the Monte di Pietà, built by Antonio Basile and Placido Campoli in 1741, with the statue of 'Abundance', by Ignazio Buceti (XVIII century) and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi (13th century, rebuilt after a fire in 1884). After the earthquake of 1908 the three apses remained intact.

A work of great importance, unfortunately now lost, was the famous Palazzata (mid-sixteenth century), that once stood on the waterfront. Also called the 'Theatre' it included 30 buildings aligned to form a semicircle, which followed a curved beach. It resisted the earthquake of 1783, but it was destroyed in 1908. Today, instead of the lost Palizzata, you can see some artifacts, like the Municipal Palace (1924), by Antonio Zanca (1861-1968), of classical style.

Places to visit near Messina

For nature lovers, Messina provides, beyond the cultural and artistic heritage, a destination of considerable interest. From the city you can easily reach the Peloritani Mounts, surrounded with green woods and dotted with old farmhouses and small villages (Basicò, Tripi, Mazzarà, San Andrea and others). This is an area offering tourists the chance to spend some days in a unique environment.

Cuisine of Messina

The region also offers visitors the opportunity to try products typical of Messina and its region: especially locally produced fishes, meats and cheeses. Among these are the Ricotta (sheeps milk cheese), the 'tuma', and then, among the first courses, the home-cooked macaroni, pasta with sword-fish (a fish typical of the area of Messina), flavoured in the most varied forms, including the lamb, sweet and sour rabbit, and cod from Messina. There are also excellent local wines, in addition to the Faro,try the Nero dAvola and the so-called Wine of Etna.

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Messina, Italy

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