Forte del Santissimo Salvatore, Military fort in Messina, Italy
Forte del Santissimo Salvatore is a fortified military structure on the San Raineri peninsula with thick defensive walls, bastions, and gun emplacements positioned strategically. It commands views of the Strait of Messina and the surrounding coastal waters from its elevated location.
Construction began in 1546 under orders from Charles V as coastal defense against potential Ottoman attacks. The fort replaced a Basilian monastery and underwent modifications throughout the following centuries.
The fort exhibits military architecture from multiple periods and contains an exhibition of 44 pieces including nautical charts and prints from the 1600s to 1800s.
The site functions as part of an active Italian Coast Guard base, so access to different areas varies. Plan your visit in advance by checking what sections are open to visitors and the best times to explore.
A statue of Madonna della Lettera was installed at the fort's highest point in 1934 and remains a landmark for the area. Inside, exhibition halls display items recovered from the 1908 earthquake that devastated the city.
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