Messina
The Strait of Messina: a unique place between two lands
Hello everyone! Today we are talking about the Strait of Messina, one of the most beautiful areas in Italy, which separates Calabria from Sicily.
Geography
The Strait of Messina is the connection between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea and stretches for about 3.2 kilometers. The minimum width between the municipalities of Villa San Giovanni and Messina is about 3.2 kilometers.
Its underwater profile can be compared to a mountain, whose peak is the "saddle" (along the connecting line between Ganzirri-Punta Pezzo), whose opposite slopes have significantly different slopes. In the Tyrrhenian Sea, in fact, the seabed slopes slowly down to reach 1,000 meters in the Milazzo area, while in the southern part (Ionian Sea), the slope is very steep and a few kilometers from the "saddle," it is possible to record a depth of 500 meters between the cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria.
History
In the past, the Strait of Messina was known as the "Strait of Scilla and Charybdis," named after the two monsters of Greek mythology who were said to live in the area and wreak havoc on navigation between Calabria and Sicily. Over time, it became known as "Fretuum Siculum," and in modern history, as the "Faro di Messina."
In 1957, the Sicilian electric power transmission was connected to the continental one by an overhead power line that crossed the Strait; although no longer used due to the passage, in 1992, to a more practical solution with a submarine cable, the support structures of the work on the two banks have remained as an example of industrial archeology and are known as the "pillars of the Strait."
Curiosities
The Strait of Messina is of strategic importance due to its position in the center of the Mediterranean, as well as for its scenic beauty. Navigating these waters is exciting but requires caution due to the current which in certain points can reach 5.2 knots.
Its flora and fauna
The flora and fauna of the Strait of Messina are particularly rich thanks to the variety of habitats present. The strait is included in the Special Protection Zone of the "Capo Peloro - Punta del Faro" Marine Protected Area.
Among the species present, we find numerous cetaceans, such as the bottlenose dolphin and the sea otter, and different species of sea turtles, such as the loggerhead turtle and the green turtle.
Conclusions
The Strait of Messina is a unique place in the world, capable of moving anyone who crosses it or observes it from afar. Its relative proximity to the cities of Reggio Calabria and Messina makes it easily accessible. If you have never been here, then do not hesitate to visit this area and enjoy the breathtaking view it offers.
