Messina is a small town in northeastern Sicily, which became the first place where immigrants from mainland Italy set foot.The city is located on the slope of the majestic Pelorita Mountains.Messina flourished during the reign of the Aragonese dynasty, which made Messina the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily and an important regional port.
Landmarks of the city
The Regional Museum is the main art museum of Messina and one of the main attractions of the city.In the museum, you can view works of painting, sculptures, architectural fragments, as well as an unusual collection of majolica pharmacy vessels.The central cathedral, the Duomo, is a fine example of Sicilian architecture from the Norman period.The church has preserved its original medieval appearance, despite its long history.The Church of Annunziata dei Catalani is the second most important church in the city.The church was built in the 12th century. during the Norman rule in Sicily.Surprisingly, this is the only building in the city that survived the 1908 earthquake.
The city's fountains are impressive with their beauty. Fountain of Neptune, located in a beautiful place, in the northern part of a wonderful park, not far from the central cathedral.
The fountain is of the god of the seas, Neptune, who blesses Messina.The author of the building is the sculptor Giovanni Montorsoli, a pupil of Michelangelo.He also built the Orion Fountain next to the Duomo.The fountain is made of light marble and depicts the reclining Orion, the mythical founder of Messina.
Night life of the city
On the main square, next to the cathedral, numerous concerts of classical music and jazz are held throughout the summer, which creates a special atmosphere in the city. Dolce Vita is also in the area, where you'll find a wide selection of imported beers and decent restaurants, as well as the Duck, a place where you can order British spirits.Bars in the city are open late and full of vacationers.
Active recreation
Since Messina is a city located by the sea, it is not surprising that the most popular sports and leisure activities in this area are more related to the water environment.Fishing is popular here, as the Straits of Messina are home to many species of rare fish, as well as a huge number of swordfish. The fishing season lasts from April to August, visitors and residents of the city take special boats called "spadara" and sail to catch fish: mullet or tuna. There are many lakes in the city and its surroundings. One of them is Janziri and Faro, where crayfish, mussels, anchovies, eels, sea bass and other types of marine flora and fauna live.The city resorts of Lido di Mortelle, Lido del Tirreno and Lido Spiaggia d'Orou are popular as the best surfing spots.Come to any of these beaches if you want to relax, sunbathe and enjoy the pleasant sea.
