Messina Travel Guide, Italy

Messina Travel Guide – The Magic of Sicily

Messina is the third largest city of the island of Sicily and functions as the capital of the province of Messina. The territory of the province is largely covered with mountains, but the coastal area which concentrates much of the population is of true natural beauty. This territory was once ruled by the Asians, Africans and Europeans, leaving a cultural legacy that is very visible in Messina. You will find all sorts of people living there who share a unique common history and turn the island into one of the most cosmopolitan regions in Italy. Sicily is home to Mount Etna and stunning beaches, all of them merging into one natural wonder. Messina is located right on the North-East corner of Sicily, very close to the mainland, from which it is separated by the Strait of Messina. The strait has 5.1 km in width near the city and there is a hydrofoil and ferry service that connects Messina to Reggio and Villa San Giovanni on the mainland. Go a bit north from the city and you’ll find stunning mountains and lakes with very interesting natural phenomena, while in the opposite part of the island you can visit Palermo. Heading south? The smaller but equally impressive Catania awaits you with its amazing coastal sights and colorful people.

Messina Travel Guide – Climate and Economy

The city mainly supports itself through the port activities, the Port of Messina being the main economical activity in the city. Due to the permissive Mediterranean climate the people from Messina also rely on agriculture by cultivating lemons, oranges and other various types of fruit. The Sicilian wines are also world famous, as the temperature in Messina grows to an annual average of 18 degrees and assures the perfect medium for the local types of vineyard. The city’s population is 240.000 and the metropolitan area reaches 500.000 inhabitants who also heavily rely on tourism for their yearly income.

Messina Travel Guide – Interesting Facts

The city of Messina is an important religious administrative point, as it is home to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese and Archimandrite since 1548. There’s a 12th century cathedral and lots of historical and literary appearances of the city: from Plutarch to Boccaccio and from Shakespeare (Much Ado about Nothing and Anthony and Cleopatra) to Moliere or Nietzsche, they all mentioned the city in at least one of their writings. There is also a legend about a boy named Colapesce who lived in the sea and is still imagined to support one of the three city’s columns on the seabed. The Sicilians are said to be very superstitious people so they will respect all kinds of apparently weird rituals, like leaving through the same door you came in through to avoid bad luck.