Messina

Messina, capital province of the island of Sicily, has a population of around 250,000 inhabitants (it is the 13th town for demographic density). It is called "the doorway to Sicily" for its strategic position onto the sea, and it is the main road, boat and railway hub of the region. The main economic resource of the city is the port, both for the commerce and for the tourism, especially during the summer. The area around Messina is an important agricultural centre for the production of the famous lemons of Sicily, oranges, mandarin oranges and clementines. The area is also an important industrial centre in the craft and shipbuilding industries. Every year, around 200,000 cruisers arrive at the port of Messina and at its surrounding towns such as Taormina and Milazzo or on the Aeolian Islands where tourists can choose among a wide selection of attractions and facilities. The historical and cultural buildings of the city have been destroyed by many natural disasters; however, they still maintain a picturesque and charming aspect. The most interesting historical monuments are the Four Fountains (Fountain of Orion, Fountain of Neptune, the Senatory Fountain and the Falconieri Fountain). Other important naturalistic attractions include the Peloritani Mountains, while other remarkable monuments include the Cathedral and several churches such as the Basilica Protometropolitana.