The monument, dedicated to the admiral John of Austria, illegitimate son of Charles V, was commissioned by the Senate in 1572. The work was sculptured to celebrate the triumph of the Holy League during the battle of Lepanto, the year before, against the Ottoman fleet leaded by Alì Pascià.  

Made by the sculptor Andrea Calamech, at first it was positioned in front of the Real Palace (nowadays the Old Customs House). It was then, after the damages suffered during the uprising of 1848, moved and placed in front of the Annunziata dei Teatini church which was later destroyed during the earthquake of 1908. It was finally placed in piazza dei Catalani in 1928. 

John of Austria is represented in his magnificence, wearing his military uniform. On his neck, he has the Gold Fleece, symbol of command. In his right hand, he grasps the Triple Alliance stick and under his left foot, he has the head of Alì Pascià. 

At the four sides of the marble base, there are some bronze plates representing some scenes of the battle of Lepanto. Every year, in order to celebrate the venture of the admiral, an evoking of the landing of the fleet in the port of Messina is made by the citizen, with the presence of several boats and characters parading through the city centre.