Messina (original) (raw)

Messina ([mesˈsiːna], Sicilian: Missina, Greek: Μεσσήνη/Μεσσήνα) is a port in the northeast corner of Sicily. Most visitors are passing through, on the 5-km ferry-crossing to mainland Italy. Although it dates to ancient times, Messina is modern and nondescript. Older buildings were mostly destroyed by the great earthquake and tsunami of 28 Dec 1908, then Allied bombing in World War II finished what was left. Nevertheless, it has enough sights to justify spending a day. One modern claim to fame is that in June 1955, Messina hosted the conference that set up the European Community and common market, later the European Union.

Messina harbour - aerial view

The Tourist Information Centre is just outside the railway station. Open M-F 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-17:00 (M W to 18:30).

Messina has a Mediterranean Climate with mild, moderately rainy winters and hot, dry summers. It features the wettest conditions amongst the major cities of Sicily, and is significantly rainier than nearby Reggio di Calabria as well. Sunshine is virtually guaranteed in summer and stays abundant in winter.

Messina
Climate chart (explanation)
JFMAMJJASOND 89 16 10 97 16 10 103 19 12 52 22 15 21 25 18 19 30 22 7 33 24 22 33 25 62 30 22 88 25 18 92 21 14 101 17 11 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mmSicily Climate Averages
Imperial conversion JFMAMJJASOND 3.5 61 50 3.8 61 50 4.1 66 54 2 72 59 0.8 77 64 0.7 86 72 0.3 91 75 0.9 91 77 2.4 86 72 3.5 77 64 3.6 70 57 4 63 52 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Map

Most travellers arrive from mainland Italy on the 20-minute shuttle from Villa San Giovanni. These ferries sail frequently round the clock, and as they're considered an extension of the road network to Sicily, fares are subsidised. There are also 30-min sailings from Reggio di Calabria.

Some of these ferries arrive in Messina's main port, a short walk from the railway and bus stations. But others land at the northern terminal 4 km north: if you're on foot you'll need to take the tram or local bus to reach the centre, see "Get around".

Occasional cruise ships call on splurgy cruises of the Med, with customers landing at Messina in order to be bussed to Taormina, Agrigento and Etna. They're not available to book as point-to-point ferries.

The closest airports to Messina are:

Catania and Palermo have flights to the major European cities.

Messina is Sicily's link to the main Italian train network. Long-distance trains from Rome and Naples cross the Straits of Messina by ferry and continue on to Palermo and Catania. Regular regional trains also run to Milazzo, Cefalu, Taormina and Syracuse.

Long-distance buses stop in Messina, linking Rome and Naples to Catania and Palermo (Sais Autolinee). Regional buses also run to Taormina (by Interbus), and Milazzo (by Giuntabus[dead link]) for the Aeolian Islands.

Messina tranvia map

The few sights of interest in Messina are close to the main port and are easily reached on foot. You're only likely to use the bus or tram to get between central Messina and the northern ferry terminal 4 km up the coast - these run every 10-15 min. Bus 79 runs this way (every 30 min) and continues north to Ganzirri and Istituto Marino on the north-eastern tip of the island. Many buses and the railway run south, as described in "Get in".

The bus & tram company is 38.18555615.5605561 ATM (Azienda Trasporti di Messina) (buses & trams run through Piazza della Repubblica, in front of Stazione Centrale). Single fare €1.20; single on board €1.50; 90 min pass €1.25; 2-journey pass €1.70; day pass €2.60. Messina Tramway (Q1854143) on Wikidata Trams in Messina on Wikipedia (updated Mar 2018)

Fontana di Orione with Duomo and its campanile in the background

Palazzo Zanca (Municipio)

Monument to Giuseppe Natoli by Lio Gangeri, 1880

Portal of the Palazzo del Monte di Pietà

There is not too much of historical architecture remains in the city due to earthquakes (esp. in 1908) and World War II bombing. Still there are enough things to see there to make a good walk. Places around the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Montalto and Cristo Re offer beautiful panoramic views over the harbour and the Strait of Messina (see the banner).

Pylon of Torre Faro overshadows the Capo Peloro lighthouse (right)

Try along Via Cannizzaro near the port and railway station.