Messina

Messina is the nearest to the continent province of Sicily. There is only 5 km from Messina to the Apennines. Messina city is the center of the province and the main port of Sicily.

The Strait of Messina separates Sicily from Italy. It is not only a strategic channel for cargo and passenger transportation. It is a legendary place in the Mediterranean. Just here the mythological Odyssey successfully sailed his ship between gigantic Scylla and Charybdis monsters. Today thousands of “new Odysseys” reiterate his feat but without fear to be eaten.

Messina port is a jewel of the province. It is difficult to believe that it survived from several earthquakes and the Second World War bombings. Though many old buildings of Messina haven’t remained, the capital is still attractive and interesting.

The relics, which have been left by some miracles, are Messina’s charm. There is located the Cathedral of the 12th century with the bell tower and the biggest astronomical clock. Fountains are a luxury necessity of any Italian city so there are many of them in Messina. Orion Fountain is the most popular of them. One of the great Michelangelo’s apprentices created this masterpiece in the 16th century. Orion is Neptune’s son and according to the legend he is the founder of Messina.

The province Messina is the busiest region of Sicily especially in summer. There is located the main summer resort of Taormina in the west of the island. It is known by its perfect sand beaches and its Greek amphitheatre. There is located Dzardini-Nacsos some minutes away from Taormina. It is considered to be the main resort for the really rich people, the “moneybags”. There are many expensive night-clubs, restaurants and respectable hotels.