Messina, Sicily - Heading Up to Mt Etna

Docking in Messina and then on to Mt Etna! So much WWII history here - Patton was in Messina. The Latin inscription on the statue in the harbor references a letter believed to have been written by the virgin Mary.

We stopped off at a gas station for a quick break and our first clear views of the volcano from the parking lot. Pretty cool to go to two Italian volcanoes in two days!

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Messina, a vibrant port city nestled on the northeastern tip of Sicily, serves as a gateway between the island and the Italian mainland. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, Messina is celebrated for its beautiful Norman cathedral and the Orologio Astronomico clock tower, one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world. The city's harbor is guarded by the golden statue of the Madonna della Lettera, symbolizing the protection of the city. The inscription beneath, "Vos et ipsam civitatem benedicimus," translates to "We bless you and your city," a reference to the letter believed to have been sent by the Virgin Mary to the people of Messina, blessing and protecting them.Read more