Day 10 Mediterranean Adventures: Messina

We have been cruising all night around the tip of the boot of Italy and early this morning, our pilot comes on board as is required when we are entering the Straights of Messina.  We have an early morning tour of the city sites and have to be back on board by 12:30 as the ship is leaving soon after. 

Our tour included wonderful views of the Messina harbor which has been a strategic location for century upon century.  Early civilization was founded by the Greeks in the 8th Century BC and occupied by the Romans in 264 BC.  Many subsequent occupations over the centuries have shaped the rich cultural aspects of the city. The University of Messina, established in 1548, was rebuilt extensively along with the rest of the city after the earthquake of 1908.  This leveled nearly the entire city and killed 84,000 people. During WW II, Messina was heavily bombed and had to rebuild once again. Today, very little  remains of the old, old buildings.

Our tour takes us north of the center city toward the two salt water lakes and the area that hosts many holiday vacationers during the summer season. We enjoy driving past all the market places with fresh fish and many vegetables and fruits.

Graceful Orion Fountain dating from 1547 does remain as does the Sacrario Christo Re dating from the Norman era.  Closer to the center of town, a 12th Century Duomo  (Cathedral) was a victim of the 1908 earthquake and also WW II bombing.  It has been faithfully restored and is a beautiful church with the largest pipe organ in all of Italy.   The Treasury (Museum) has many rich Christian liturgical antiquities. No photos were allowed in the Museum. Next to the Cathedral was an enormous clock tower with 236 steps to the top.( Bob climbed up)  At noon, there was quite a display as animated characters performed for us.The roaring lion was a hit with the audience. 

Upon leaving Messina, we are treated to the gorgeous Italian coastline, and

eventually we sailed right up to Stromboli Island where an active volcano gave us a show. 

We have decided that Messina is one of the loveliest of the port cities we have visited and might merit a longer stay at a future date.

The evening was a restful one as we say good bye to our table partners, Mike and his grand daughter, Elizabeth from Los Angeles.  They have completed the 20 day cruise and we have totally enjoyed hearing from them all about the places we have yet to visit.