Messina — Sicily's Gateway on the Strait

Messina is Sicily's third-largest city and the island's main gateway, located on the narrow strait separating Sicily from mainland Italy. A city with ancient history that has survived devastating earthquakes and World War II bombings, today it presents itself as a modern port city with a unique astronomical cathedral and stunning views of Calabria and the Strait of Messina.

History — From Greeks to Rebirth

Messina was founded by Greek colonists from Chalcis in the 8th century BC under the name Zancle (from the Sicilian word for "sickle" — descr...