Giardini Naxos - Letojanni - Taormina - Castelmola - Messina - Catania - Aci Castello

Messina,also know as "the door of Italy",has about 250.000 inhabitants.

It has experienced power and decline,expasion and destruction but,despite everything,the people of Messina have always found the strenght, patience and the courage to rewrite their ancient history.An ancient,popular saying states:"...when Messina was,Rome was part of the country side".

The most significant event that marked the history of Messina is the earthquake of 1908 that destroyed the city and killed about 80.000 people.

The economy is manly based on agriculture,trade,tourism and fishing.

One of the oldest practices,fishing has now become a tradition,it's certainly the swordfish fishing in the strait of Messina.It is also one of the most popular dishes.

Major holidays are June,3, dedicated to our Lady of the Letter protrectress of Messina,and august,15 dedicated to the procession of the "VARA",which is the most exciting and religious event of Messina with over 250,000 admissions from all over the island.This last event parades through the streets of the city in solemn procession,preceded,some days before,by the statue of the giant Mata and Grifone considered  the mythical founders of the city.