Messina sits at Sicily's top-right corner. Greeks planted it in the 8th century BC, calling it Zancle - "scythe" for its harbor's curve. They later swapped the name to Messene, nodding to a Greek city. Through time, it's seen it all - Greeks, Romans, Normans left their marks. You've got the Messina Cathedral with its clock show, and the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani Church, standing tall from Norman days. Don't miss the Regional Museum, the Orion and Neptune Fountains - all dripping with history and art.
Messina pulls you in. It's Sicily at its rawest, with history and nature in a headlock. You've got the Duomo, a knockout with its clock that kicks into gear at noon. Right there, the Bell Tower shows off its gears and springs, no snooze fest. Then there's Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, a Norman era survivor, standing tough through disasters. Art buffs? The Regional Museum's your spot. Caravaggio, Antonello da Messina - the heavy hitters are all here. Want the scenic route? Drive to Sacrario di Cristo Re. The views will slap you awake. Torre di Faro offers a peek at Sicily's edge, no filter needed.
Messina's food hits you like a freight train of flavor. Cannoli lead the charge, with shells so crispy and ricotta so sweet, skipping them should be a crime. Then there's Caponata, the eggplant champ, swinging sweet and sour in every bite. Don't even get me started on 'U pituni. This fried masterpiece crams in the fillings, proving Messina plays street food in its own league. But wait, there's more. Ever tried Mezza con Panna al Caffè? It's like the morning slap of granita and cream you didn't know you needed. And Arancini, those deep-fried orbs of gooey goodness? They're the snack you'll crave at midnight.
Messina's weather swings from mild winters to summers that can cook you. February, cold enough to make you notice, drops to around 9.6°C (49.3°F). Spring cracks open a little warmth by March, pushing the mercury up to 14.4°C (57.9°F), and turns off the rain tap slightly. Then summer hits. July and August turn up the heat, boiling to highs of 27°C (80.6°F) and 28°C (82.4°F), respectively. These months roll out the sun, dial down the humidity, and cut back on rain, laying out the welcome mat for anything outdoors.