In this photo, you can see Messina. It’s really unmistakable. For its story and its strategic position, is one of the most important cities in Sicily. And these are the 9 most beautiful places to see in the city of the Strait.
- Cattedrale di Messina. It can be considered the symbol of Messina. Gothic, Baroque and neo-Gothic, the cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption.
- Orologio astronomico. The cathedral is overlooked by a high bell tower. And in this bell tower there’s one the little secrets of Messina: it’s the astronomical clock, with the statues of Dina and Clarenza (protagonists of a famous Sicilian legend).
- Spiaggia di Alì Terme. To get to Alì Terme, it takes only thirty minutes by car. Only thirty minutes and you will comfortably lie on one of the most beautiful beaches in Messina: the pebble beach of Capo Alì, touched by a wonderful sea.
- Rocca Guelfonia. It’s a famous castle of Messina built on a hill near the old town centre: it is not only a great “starting point” for visiting Messina but the view is amazing.
- Fontana di Orione. It’s in piazza Duomo, the main square in Messina. It’s considered one of the most beautiful Sixteenth-century European monumental fountains. The large dodecagonal fountain has four statues representing the Nile, Tiber, Ebro and Camaro rivers. On the top there’s the statue of Orion and Sirius.
- Viale San Martino. It’s the main street of the town. It’s always very crowded and here you can find bars, boutiques, small restaurants, and ice-cream parlours.
- Castel Gonzaga. Built on Montepiselli hill, it is an ancient and imposing castle dating back to the Sixteenth century. It is a real piece of history of Messina.
- Taormina. From Messina, it takes only one hour by car to get to Taormina. And see one of the most beautiful places in Sicily: it’s a great idea for a one-day excursion.
- Fata Morgana. It happens particularly in the hot days. At sunrise, you can see the city of Messina mirrored in the waters of the Strait. According to a popular legend, that’s the underwater city of Fata Morgana.
Image source: Flickr.com/photos/alessandrogrussu
