Shrine of Christ the King

The Shrine of Christ the King is considered one of the most prominent religious monuments in the city of Messina. It was built on the remains of the ancient Matagriffon Castle, designed by architect Giovanni Battista Milani in 1937. The Baroque-style temple building is characterized by unique architectural elements represented by irregular octagonal shapes. It has a large dome with eight ribs. Flanking the base of the building are eight bronze statues by Teofilo Raggio, which show the three theological virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity; and the four cardinal virtues: wisdom, justice, constancy, and moderation.