Location: Messina
Top Things to do in Messina
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10 Things to Do in Messina That You Shouldn't Miss
At Sicily’s northeast tip, Messina is the first city being kicked by mainland Italy’s boot, just three miles across the Strait of Messina. It's a main port of entry for visitors via hydrofoils and ferries. Trains board the ferry, too, before continuing service. The 12th-century Norman cathedral, rebuilt after a 1908 earthquake destroyed it and much of the town, is the most famous attraction.
Restaurants in Messina
1. Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Borzov - Rijeka, Croatia
The sixty meters high tower was built in the 16th century and completely rebuilt in 1908 after the earthquake. The clock was installed in 1933 by the Ungerer company of Strasbourg and it is still one of the greatest astronomical clocks in the world. Every day at noon there is a 12-minutes long show that includes the lion roaring, a rooster crows and a procession of golden statues that represent the course of human life, the days of the week and biblical scenes. On the south side of the tower you can see the moon phases, the Planetarium and the perpetual calendar.
2. La Vara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
3. Duomo di Messina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 970 reviews
This Cathedral, a fine example of Sicilian Norman architecture, has retained its original medieval lines even after a long history: built under Roger II, consecrated in 1197, destroyed in the 1908 earthquake and rebuilt.
Reviewed By Borzov - Rijeka, Croatia
The Cathedral of Messina dates back to the 12th century, but it was thoroughly restored in 1920 due to the serious damage in 1908 earthquake. The apsidal area is constructed in the Norman style and the three portals of the facade are decorated in the Gothic style. The Cathedral is a burial ground of King Conrad IV and many archbishops.
4. Annunziata dei Catalani Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
5. Fontana di Orione
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By Borzov - Rijeka, Croatia
The monumental Fountain, situated at the Piazza Duomo, was designed by Fra Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli in the 16th century. With the help of the student Martino Montanini, he built a pyramidal Fountain dedicated to Orione, the mythical founder of the city, that was considered to be one of the greatest Fountain of its time.
6. La Madonnina del Porto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By JT_Turner3 - Phoenix, Arizona
The Stele Madonna della Lettera (Our Lady of the Letter Monument) is on the tip of the spit that protects Messina Harbor and stands almost 200 feet tall. The brilliantly gilded statue of Madonna blessing those coming and going was such a peaceful sight. On the seawall base, it is written in Latin "VOS ET IPSAM CIVITATEM BENEDICIMUS" which reads "I Bless You And Your City." The monument was consecrated in 1934.
7. Faro di Capo Peloro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
8. Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By DanielLifeguard - Island of Gozo, Malta
The view from up here is spectacular. You can see the whole natural port underneath you and most of the city and also the Santuario della Madonna di Montalto opposite your position on a neighboring hill.
Furthermore there are volunteer guides at it's entrance which offer free 20mins tours to whoever is interested in many languages. The languages I'm sure they give the tour in are: English, Italian, French, German and Spanish.
The tour is excellent and gives a brief history of Messina and the Temple in 20mins.
9. Santuario della Madonna di Montalto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By Giorgio G - Washington DC, District of Columbia
.. to tell you the truth, the church itself is like many in Messina.. the foundations are still there but the rest has been destroyed and rebuilt several times after the various earthquakes that have befallen the city.. but the view of the city, the harbor, the coast to the North to Capo Peloro and the Calabrian coast across the Stretto, that you have from the square in front of the church is incomparable and should not be missed..
10. Fontana di Nettuno
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By LetterioZ - Fair Lawn, New Jersey
While I may be prejudiced because this sculpture was actually done by my grandfather's uncle, I thought it was great, and I enjoyed seeing it :)
Having said that, I must say that it is in a very busy area in a very busy city. It is extremely difficult to drive in, or park in, Messina. If you can find a parking space in a lot somewhere, my advice would be to walk through the city a bit , see this statue and any other sights that you are interested in.
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