Sacrario di Cristo Re, Baroque church in Messina, Italy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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