Messina is a city located at the northeastern tip of Sicily, overlooking the strait that bears its name, a point of connection between the island and the Italian peninsula. With a millenary history, Messina is one of the main cultural, economic, and religious centers of the region, as well as the natural gateway of Sicily to the mainland. Founded in ancient times, probably by the Siculi and later colonized by the Greeks with the name of Zancle, the city has experienced a succession of dominations that have deeply influenced its cultural and architectural heritage. Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese, and Spaniards have left a visible imprint on the urban fabric and local traditions. This interweaving of civilizations has contributed to shaping a rich and layered identity, expressed through monuments, places of worship, and popular customs. The pulsating heart of Messina is represented by its cathedral, a magnificent Norman building rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1908 and restored again following the bombings of the Second World War. Inside, you can admire one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world, housed in the bell tower, which every day attracts visitors intrigued by its complex mechanical and symbolic games. The city develops in a narrow strip between the sea and the peaks of the Peloritani Mountains, offering natural landscapes of great charm. The crystal-clear waters of the Strait, frequented by dolphins and rich in ancient myths, such as that of Scylla and Charybdis, are an integral part of the Messina landscape and imagination. The port, one of the busiest in Sicily, has always been a strategic point for trade and maritime connections, and today also welcomes cruise ships and ferries, playing an important role in tourism. Messina is also an important university center, home to the University of Messina, which contributes to the intellectual and youthful vitality of the city. Its economy, historically linked to navigation, agriculture, and fishing, has evolved in recent decades, now including sectors such as commerce, services, and tourism. Local culture is expressed vibrantly in numerous religious and popular festivities, among which the spectacular procession of the Vara stands out, involving thousands of citizens on August 15 in an event of deep devotion and engaging spectacle. The gastronomic traditions, rich in intense flavors and Arab and Mediterranean influences, complete the sensory experience of those who visit the city, offering typical dishes such as arancini, focaccia messinese, and ricotta-based sweets. Despite having been severely affected by natural and historical events, Messina has managed to rise again several times, preserving its identity and renewing itself with pride. Today it represents a crossroads of history, nature, and modernity, fascinating for its welcoming character and deep connection with the sea and Sicilian land.
Alì, Campo Calabro, Fiumedinisi, Itala, Messina, Monforte San Giorgio, Reggio di Calabria, Rometta, Saponara, Scaletta Zanclea, Spadafora, Villa San Giovanni, Villafranca Tirrena
Messina is a lively crossroads of local businesses that animate the economic and cultural fabric of the city, carrying on ancient traditions and modern innovations with great pride and creativity. In the historic neighborhoods, there are artisan workshops that continue to cultivate excellent crafts: carpenters, ceramists, restorers, and tailors make use of the mastery acquired over time to create unique objects, capable of combining quality and customization. These activities, often family-run, not only keep ancient artisanal techniques alive, but also contribute to enhancing the cultural identity of the territory and transmitting a heritage of knowledge to the new generations. In the food sector, the municipality is rich in small companies and gastronomes that produce local excellences: traditional bakeries, artisanal pasta factories, pork butchers, and pastry shops churn out typical products every day such as "pane cunzato," granitas, arancini, and traditional Messinese sweets, bringing authentic and genuine flavors to the table. The fishing industry, supported by the proximity to the sea, boasts companies dedicated to fishing and processing fresh catch, ensuring the buyer a culinary experience of quality and respect for raw materials. The tourism sector sees a variety of hotels, bed & breakfasts, accommodations, and family-run restaurants that invest in hospitality to offer visitors an authentic and pleasant stay. Customer care, the telling of local stories, and the proposal of experiential itineraries - including excursions, tastings, and cultural visits - represent a distinctive and appreciated element in the regional landscape. Many local businesses have embarked on digitalization processes, promoting their products on social networks, creating e-commerce platforms, and participating in regional and national fairs: these initiatives demonstrate the ability to combine craftsmanship and innovation, tradition and new technologies. Furthermore, the economic fabric of Messina is enriched by micro-enterprises in the professional, commercial, and artisanal sectors - technical studios, mechanical workshops, design laboratories, and companies in the construction sector - which guarantee employment and sustainable development. Overall, the local businesses of Messina represent an economic engine made of passion, quality, and territorial roots. They embody the pride of a community that, despite challenges and transformations, believes in its ability to innovate, welcome, and pass on a heritage of traditions, skills, and human value.
The territory of Messina, with a population of 217,959 inhabitants in 2023, appears as a place of interest for potential investors. The presence of a large foreign community, amounting to 29,313 individuals, indicates a certain openness and cultural diversity that could promote the development of commercial and tourist activities targeted at an international clientele. The dwellings in the municipality amount to 451,983, with a significant percentage of unoccupied homes, totaling 180,090 units. This could represent an opportunity for investments in the real estate sector, with the possibility of redeveloping and putting these units on the market to meet housing demand. As for the tourist offer, Messina has 20 hotels with a total of 1,299 beds and 583 rooms. Furthermore, there are various non-hotel accommodation facilities, such as bed & breakfasts, youth hostels, and commercially managed rental accommodations, which help diversify the tourist offer and attract a varied clientele. From a geographical point of view, the territory of Messina presents different altitude bands, with a predominance of the 200-599 meters above sea level band. This variety of altitudes could promote the development of activities related to nature tourism and hiking, taking advantage of the scenic and natural beauty of the area. Finally, the presence of museums and cultural institutions should be emphasized, as they contribute to enhancing the historical and artistic heritage of the territory and attracting visitors interested in culture and art. In conclusion, Messina presents itself as a territory with various investment opportunities in the real estate, tourism, and cultural sectors. The presence of a large and diverse population, combined with good infrastructure and accommodation facilities, makes this municipality an interesting place for those who wish to start or expand economic activities in a dynamic and potential-rich environment.
Messina, overlooking the picturesque Strait that separates it from Calabria, is a city rich in charm, history, and natural beauty that attract visitors from all over the world. One of the city's symbolic places is undoubtedly the Cathedral, with its imposing facade and the famous bell tower that houses one of the largest and most complex astronomical clocks in the world. Every day at noon, the tower comes to life with mechanical figures that tell religious and historical episodes, offering a unique and engaging spectacle. In front of the Cathedral, Piazza del Duomo opens up, the pulsating heart of the city, where you can also admire the Fountain of Orion, a masterpiece from the sixteenth century. Among the most beloved attractions is the Sanctuary of Montalto, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the Strait. Another panoramic point of great suggestion is the Shrine of Christ the King, a commemorative monument that stands on one of the city's hills. Messina also offers beautiful beaches, such as Capo Peloro and Torre Faro, perfect for those who want to relax amidst crystal clear sea and unspoiled nature. For art and culture lovers, the Regional Museum of Messina houses valuable works, including paintings by Antonello da Messina and Caravaggio. Walking along the promenade, you can also admire elegant Liberty-style buildings and monuments that tell the city's glorious past. Messina, despite being marked by seismic and historical events that have transformed its face, retains a deep and vibrant identity, capable of exciting and surprising with its authenticity, flavors, and the warm welcome of its people.
