Messina, Sicily: A City Between Land and Sea

Messina is a port city in northeastern Sicily, located just three kilometers from mainland Italy across the narrow strait that shares its name. It is the first or last stop for many travelers coming to or leaving the island, and for centuries, it has been a place of crossing, arrival, and return.

Although often passed through quickly, Messina rewards those who stop and take a look around. The city has deep roots in both ancient and medieval history, but most of what you see today was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1908 and heavy bombing during World War Two. That gives Messina a distinct atmosphere that is both historical and modern.

What to See in Messina

The city’s most famous landmark is the Cathedral of Messina, rebuilt in the twentieth century but faithful to its original Norman design. The adjoining bell tower houses one of the largest and most complex astronomical clocks in the world. Every day at noon, mechanical lions, roosters and historical figures begin to move, drawing both tourists and locals to the square.

A short walk away is the Fountain of Orion, created in the Renaissance by the same sculptor who worked on the Neptune Fountain in Florence. From the port to Viale San Martino, Messina is filled with cafés, shops and views toward the Calabrian coast. The Regional Museum holds paintings by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina, and the Church of the Catalans is one of the few buildings that survived both major disasters.

More than Just a Port

Because of its location, Messina has always looked both out to sea and across the strait. The view from the Belvedere di Cristo Re, high above the harbor, is one of the best in Sicily. On clear days, you can see ferries crossing the water, the mountains of Calabria in the distance and the curve of the Sicilian coast.

Messina is also a stop on several Mediterranean cruise itineraries. But it is more than just a port. The city is full of everyday life, from markets and pastry shops to students and street musicians. Even a short visit gives you a taste of Sicily that feels direct and real.