Messina: A City Forged in Resilience
When our ship glided into Messina's harbor at dawn, I stood on deck thinking about the 2,782 years of human stubbornness this place represents. The Sicels founded Zancle here in 757 BC — the name meant "sickle" in their language, describing the curved harbor that still shelters us today. Greek colonists arrived and renamed it Messana. Carthaginian Himilco leveled it in 396 BCE. The Syracusan tyrant Dionysius rebuilt it. Norman conqueror Robert Guiscard liberated it in 1061, and his successor Count Roger I built the cathedral that would hold King Conrad's tomb.
Then came December 28, 1908. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake — the deadliest in European history — killed 120,000 people across the region and 75,000 in Messina alone. Ninety-one percent of the city's structures collapsed. The 12th-century cathedral that had survived eight centuries was destroyed. When I walked through the rebuilt city, I felt the weight of that catastrophe in every wide street and every reinforced concrete building. They rebuilt the cathedral in 1919-20, then rebuilt it again after Allied bombing in 1943. This place refuses to disappear.
Most cruise passengers take the first bus to Taormina — and yes, the Greek theater with Mount Etna smoking in the distance is one of the world's great sights. We did exactly that, sat in the ancient stones, ate pistachio cannoli at Bam Bar, and spent the afternoon at Isola Bella's crystal water. But before we left, I stood in the cathedral rebuilt twice in a century and thought about the people who keep choosing to stay, to rebuild, to carry forward a name that has survived conquest, earthquake, and war for nearly three millennia.
Historical Context
757 BC: Sicels found Zancle ("sickle"), named for the harbor's curved shape
5th century BCE: Greek fugitives from Persian-occupied Miletus repopulate the city, renamed Messana (later Messina in Byzantine era)
396 BCE: Destroyed by Carthaginian general Himilco, rebuilt by Syracusan tyrant Dionysius
1061 CE: Norman liberation by Robert Guiscard; later ruled by Count Roger I
12th century: Cathedral constructed, housing the remains of King Conrad
December 28, 1908: Magnitude 7.1 earthquake kills 120,000 across region (75,000 in Messina), destroys 91% of city structures — deadliest earthquake in European history
1919-20: Cathedral rebuilt in modern reinforced style
1943: Allied bombing destroys cathedral again during WWII
Post-1943: City rebuilt with wide streets and earthquake-resistant reinforced concrete
Getting Around Taormina
Ship excursions or public bus/taxi to Taormina – easy 50-minute trip.
Depth Soundings Ashore
Practical tips before you step off the ship.
Taormina is hilly and the views are spectacular – comfortable shoes make exploring even more rewarding. If you spend time in Messina itself, visit the rebuilt cathedral and walk the wide post-earthquake boulevards that tell the story of a city rebuilt with modern engineering after unimaginable loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Messina worth visiting beyond Taormina?
A: Yes, if you appreciate cities shaped by resilience. The cathedral and modern urban planning tell the story of a place that has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times across 2,782 years.
Q: What's the main draw?
A: Taormina's Greek theater with Mount Etna backdrop, Isola Bella beach, and for history enthusiasts, Messina's remarkable story of survival.
Q: How long in Taormina?
A: 5–7 hours ideal for theater, town, and beach.
Q: Walk from port to Messina city center?
A: Yes, walkable. For Taormina, transport required (50 minutes).
Last reviewed: January 2026
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Messina Area Map
Interactive map showing cruise terminal and Messina attractions. Click any marker for details.
Photo Gallery
Image Credits
- messina-1.webp: WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
- messina-2.webp: WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
- messina-3.webp: WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
- messina-4.webp: WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Images sourced from WikiMedia Commons under Creative Commons licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best time of year to visit Messina?
A: Peak cruise season offers the most reliable weather and best conditions for sightseeing. Check the weather guide above for specific month recommendations based on your planned activities.
Q: Does Messina have a hurricane or storm season?
A: Weather patterns vary by region and season. Check the weather hazards section above for specific storm season concerns and timing. Cruise lines closely monitor weather conditions and will adjust itineraries if needed for passenger safety. Travel insurance is recommended for cruises during peak storm season months.
Q: What should I pack for Messina's weather?
A: Essentials include sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and layers for variable conditions. Check the packing tips section in our weather guide for destination-specific recommendations.
Q: Will rain ruin my port day?
A: Brief showers are common in many destinations but rarely last long enough to significantly impact your day. Have a backup plan for indoor attractions, and remember that many activities continue in light rain. Check the weather forecast before your visit.