Messina (Sicily)

On shore in Messina

We entered this port through the Strait of Messina, 22 miles long and little more than 1.5 miles wide at its narrowest point and is one of those narrow sea passages which have from early times been famous either strategically or for its scenic beauty.  It is a natural port and is the island's gateway from the mainland of Italy.  There is virtually no industry, but the harbour is always busy with up to sixty ferries a day crossing to and from the mainland.

Messina has had a tragic history, culminating in the disastrous earthquake of 1908 and Allied bombing during the last war.  Although much of the city has been re-built, there are many treasures of its past to be discovered.  One of the areas most popular attractions is the medieval town of Taormina with its Greek Roman ruins and wonderful views of Etna.  Alas, we did not manage to get there; as I have mentioned before, one day on an island is never enough time to see everything.

We set off from the port into the city which has little of antiquity to interest the visitor but nothing can remove from it the beauty of its setting with it's wide streets bordered by trees and flowers.  It is Monday morning and we were concerned that there were no shops open, only to learn that every weekend is a long weekend and most businesses only open after lunch!  Hmm not a bad idea!  But what do you think we found?  Yip, a cafe with Wifi with of course the obligatory cup of coffee and this time, Italian cappuccino!  We were intrigued with the way the locals stood around the counter and drank their espresso and ate pastries.

Venuti Restaurant, Messina

Something that intrigued Dave and Russ was if there isn't a parking space you just nose your car in albeit on a pedestrian crossing!

We then headed to the city center to find the Cathedral (Duomo) whose campanile holds one of the largest clocks in the world.  On one side a series of figures perform tricks every day at noon to the amusement of locals and tourists alike.  The lion at the top wags its tail, puts its head back and roars, representing the power of the church.  A cock crows and flaps its wings.  Next come Jesus and the Apostles.  Right at the bottom there are chariots which move every 24 hours.

The Cathedral

A closer view of the Lion and Cock just beneath it.














Here is a short video; listen for the lion roar!

There were dozens of tourists around and we watched this cute little train carrying its passengers.

Video-ing the clock

The Cathedral was originally erected in 1092 and rebuilt many times since then.  Parts of the building were left intact after the earthquake, but the roof collapsed and the 26 monolithic granite columns were smashed to pieces.  The restored ceiling and the mosaics in the apse were well worth looking at.

Dave & Russ in the Cathedral

We had collected between the 6 of us, a few packets of biscuits and cheese off the plane and Dave decided to put them in his backpack to try and get rid of them.  We found a lady with her doggie, sitting begging just inside the doors to the Cathedral.  Oh goodness, how grateful she was to receive a little food.  Along came a younger girl who we presumed to be her daughter, with a baby in a pram.  You can see the boxes of treats in the bottom of the pram.












It is almost mid-afternoon so it's back to the Queen for high tea!

A panoramic view of the city taken from the ship

I've just found the panoramic setting on my iPhone!!!  Compared to this photo...

View from the ship with part of the Cathedral top right

Seeing that we were back on board fairly early this afternoon, we decided that instead of Dave and Russell meeting in the Golden Lion Pub for their usual  

while we were getting showered and dressed for dinner at 6pm, we would get spruced up early and meet in the Verandah for cocktails, our first since starting our cruise!

Don't we look pleased with our decision!

After dinner in the Lido restaurant, the wonderfully talented ship's chefs displayed their ice carvings and beautifully made chocolate cakes, large and small.  After everyone had had their turn to take photographs, about 2000 of us, we were invited to help ourselves to the tasty morsels.

Display of  Ice Carvings and Chocolates

Caught in the act!

We have a really full day tomorrow with a tour of the Amalfi Coast, one of the highlights of our trip.  So please join me again for the next episode....