About
The Fontana di Orione, also known as the Orion Fountain, stands in Piazza del Duomo in the centre of Messina, directly in front of the cathedral. It is a fountain of the sixteenth century, the work of the sculptor Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, and it is one of the most striking features of the square.
What you will see
The fountain is decorated with sculpted figures drawn from mythology, with the giant hunter Orion among them. Its scale and ornament make it a fitting centrepiece for the cathedral's forecourt, and it gives the square a strong sense of Renaissance Sicily.
Why visit
- It is a short, easy stop in the historic heart of Messina.
- It sits in front of the cathedral, so it pairs naturally with a visit to the church.
- Its mythological figures make it an interesting subject for anyone curious about classical stories in art.
Because the fountain is in an open square, the visit costs nothing and can be combined with a walk through the surrounding streets of the old town. Allow a little time to look closely at the sculptures from several sides, as the detail rewards a slow look.
The Fontana di Orione is best suited to visitors who enjoy public art and historic squares, and to anyone passing through Messina who wants to see a focal point of the city's centre.
