Messina Strait sees new urban park opening and Greenpeace art protest against bridge

Greenpeace Italy launched the “Beauty at Sea” campaign in the Strait of Messina, placing four Italian artworks on the seabed – a sculpture by Massimo Catalani, a painted panel by Francesco De Grandi, a poem by Laura Fusco and a short story by Rossella Postorino – to highlight the ecological risks of the proposed permanent bridge. The group warns that construction could release tons of sediment, damage marine life and undermine the Natura 2000 area, urging a reallocation of the €14 billion bridge budget toward marine protection and sustainable ferry services.

Meanwhile, the municipality of Messina and the Strait Port Authority are preparing the inauguration of the Agorà dello Stretto urban park on 1 July, followed by the installation of the contemporary artwork “La Fontana Ferma” on 2 July. The 32,700‑square‑metre waterfront space, funded with €225 000, will be open 24 hours and feature inclusive playgrounds, basketball courts, fitness zones, a dog‑run area and direct access to a small beach. The former Irrera a Mare site remains closed pending safety investigations.