Messina

Messina sits at the northeastern tip of Sicily, facing the narrow strait that separates the island from mainland Italy. Ships dock steps from the city streets. Much of the city was rebuilt after earthquakes and wartime damage, and the reconstructed Baroque architecture reflects that long pattern of destruction and recovery. The Duomo's bell tower has one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world, with mechanical figures that move at noon. The waterfront has views straight across to Calabria. Fresh seafood, particularly swordfish, dominates the restaurant menus. Messina also works well as a jumping-off point: Taormina, with its Greek theatre and views of Mount Etna, is about an hour by bus or train. Mount Etna itself can be reached on a half-day excursion. Closer to port, the Regional Museum holds paintings by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina. The city is walkable, and local buses cover the wider area.