|
|
 |
Messina, among the Peloritani Mounts and the sea, represents both the vital seat
of the commerce between Sicily and the continent and a fundamental sea centre,
thanks to its natural port able to manage a big trading volume. |
|
It was once called Zancle, or sickle, according to the characteristic form of
its port, which is half-moon shaped; the territory became a Punic-Phoenician colony
before being colonized by Greeks.
The city had a long period of prosperity and splendour till it was hit by a terrible
seaquake in 1908: this was one of the most disastrous tragedies happened in Sicily
in the course of the centuries.
The Church of Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, the Cathedral and its characteristic
bell tower, which is adorned by an astrological clock with movement, worth visiting.
From Messina it is possible to make some interesting and pleasant tours too,
such as the Aeolian Isles, Taormina, "Alcantara Gorges" and Mount Etna. |
