Messina

"Messina is steeped in captivating legends that highlight the region's rich cultural heritage. Colapesce: This legend centers around a fisherman named Colapesce, who lived during the reign of Frederick II. Renowned for his extraordinary swimming abilities, Colapesce was challenged by the king to retrieve objects from the ocean's depths. He never returned, and legend has it that he now resides beneath Mount Etna, supporting one of the three pillars that hold Sicily, preventing the island from sinking into the sea. Colapesce embodies the deep connection between Sicilians and their homeland. Scylla and Charybdis: The perilous waters between Sicily and Calabria are immortalized in the myth of Scylla and Charybdis. This treacherous strait, known for its swift currents and fierce winds, inspired the story of the two sea monsters. Charybdis, the whirlpool that sucks in sailors, is said to appear near the Lighthouse beach, while Scylla, the beast that tears ships apart, haunts the Calabrian coast. In Messina, the Neptune Fountain at the Regional Museum beautifully depicts these mythical creatures. Fairy Morgana: The Strait of Messina is also home to the enchanting optical illusion known as the Fairy Morgana. This phenomenon creates mirages of fantastical castles and shifting islands, mesmerizing fishermen and sailors. The legend of King Roger I of Altavilla and the fairy Morgana arose from Norman fascination with these captivating visions."