Sacrario di Cristo Re, Baroque church in Messina, Italy.
Description
Sacrario di Cristo Re is an octagonal Baroque church in Messina with a prominent dome topped by a six-meter-high (20 feet) lantern that rises above the cityscape. The interior features eight bronze statues representing cardinal and theological virtues arranged around the space.
History
Built in 1937, the shrine stands on the site of the former Matagrifone Castle, which once hosted Richard the Lionheart during his 1191 journey to the Third Crusade. The location bridges medieval history with remembrance of 20th-century conflicts.
Culture
The shrine's name references Christ as King, a theme reflected throughout its sculptural decoration and layout. Visitors can sense a strong spiritual presence created by the monuments and the space itself.
Practical
The shrine sits on a hilltop and stands as a visible landmark from many parts of the city. Plan time to explore the interior and view the monuments at a comfortable pace.
Did you know?
A large bronze bell cast from melted enemy cannons hangs in the shrine and rings each evening at sunset. This sounding of the bell transforms weapons of war into an instrument of remembrance.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Messina).
Campanile del duomo di Messina
512 m
Fountain of Orion
443 m
San Francesco all'Immacolata
286 m
Santuario della Madonna di Montalto
307 m
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III
318 m
Teatro Vittorio Emanuele II
361 m
Palazzo Zanca
386 m
Palazzo della cultura
238 m
Mategriffon
26 m
Palazzo del Monte di Pietà
199 m
Fortifications of Messina
498 m
Sant'Eustochia
151 m
San Tommaso
261 m
Falconieri fountain
196 m
Statua dell'Immacolata
499 m
Monumento ai marinai russi
484 m
Fontana Senatoria
446 m
Arena Fountain
420 m
Messina Monumento ai Caduti della prima Guerra Mondiale
473 m
Busts of Fyodor Ushakov
480 m
Fontana al Monte di Pietà
158 m
Leoni di marmo
474 m
Fontana della Pigna
392 m
Nino Di Leo bust
480 m
Monuments and memorials to Giacomo Natoli
480 m
Busto di Giuseppe Mazzini
480 m
Grotta acquatica
469 m
Busto di Francesco Maurolico
480 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes