Location: Province of Messina
Top Things to do in Province of Messina
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What to do and see in Province of Messina, Sicily: The Best Free Things to do
Messina (Italian: Provincia di Messina; Sicilian: Pruvincia di Missina) was a province in the autonomous island region of Sicily in Italy. Its capital was the city of Messina. It was replaced by the Metropolitan City of Messina.
Restaurants in Province of Messina
1. Monte della Madonna
2. Duomo di Messina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,240 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 Adventure_Steph_H - Bristol, United Kingdom
We visited Messina on a rainy day which meant that there were not very many people about. The clock tower is a beautiful structure and parts of it move as it chimes on the hour. Inside the cathedral the striking feature are the wooden beams across the ceiling with beautiful detailing on them. Its definitely worth a visit whilst in Messina although when we visited we had to split it into two parts as when we first visited at about lunchtime they closed the cathedral but were able to return later in the afternoon.
3. Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tindari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,050 reviews
Legend has it that the Black Madonna statue fished out of the sea has healing powers; a visit to this picturesque church just may prove it to you.
Reviewed By SallyF906 - Northampton, United Kingdom
You can see the basilica on the top of the hill from miles around and it's well worth stopping off for a visit. You can't drive up into the town so you have to park in a large car park at the bottom of the hill and take a bus up to the top. Make sure you check the current opening times for the basilica and allow time to queue for a ticket and catch the bus although these do come frequently. According to tradition, in C9th fishermen discovered a crate with the statue of the black Madonna inside. They put her in the abandoned ruins of the temple of Ceres and a sanctuary was built in C11th by the Benedictines. The shrine became and important place of pilgrimage and was unable to cope with the number of visitors so was rebuilt in 1970s. The Madonna is made of cedar of Lebanon and is Byzantine - it is on display under the dome and is quite beautiful. The church has a beautiful fresco on the ceiling and lots of artwork that stands out against the dark stone. Also make sure you walk behind the altar where you can see the history of the statue in mosaics which are stunning. Definitely worth a visit.
4. Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,439 reviews
Reviewed By stewartc640 - Chatham, United Kingdom
We passed the Messina cathedral Bell tower whilst on a one day stopover in Messina. We were doing a self-guided walking tour armed with a fairly basic tourist map and had just arrived in the port. The bell tower and its associated cathedral sits in the reasonably spacious ‘Piazza del Duomo di Messina’ just inland from where the cruise ship docked. It is known for its animation occurring when the clock strikes particularly at 12 noon. Unfortunately, this is the time our ship docked so we missed what we have been told is quite a sight. We did get to see a shorter animation at one o’clock though. The bell tower is separate from the cathedral, and had ‘golden’ statues on various levels as well as other parts of the animation. The Piazza is quite busy and there are many sightseeing tours for tourists departing from here either on busses or ‘Dotto’ trains. There are also some souvenir shops and street traders here where tourists can buy mementoes of their visit to Messina, we tend to purchase porcelain thimbles on our travels and these were available here too.
5. Villa Comunale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,641 reviews
Reviewed By SallyF906 - Northampton, United Kingdom
A lovely park with plenty of shady areas, stunning views of the coastline and Etna, beautiful planting and quirky Victorian follies, this garden was created by an Englishwoman, Lady Florence Trevelyan and donated to the town in the 1920s. Lots of places to sit and relax. Definitely worth a visit.
6. Corso Umberto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,548 reviews
Reviewed By loua1601 - Wollongong, Australia
We have 9 days in Taormina and strolled along Corso Umberto on our first day. This street is exactly what you would expect from an Italian town as soon as you walk through Messina Gate. Lots of shops, cafes and restaurants with some beautiful buildings, churches, narrow side lanes and a spectacular view of the ocean when you get to the other end. A great way to spend a couple of days trying the different cafes and restaurants. Enjoy!
7. Piscina di Venere
8. Castillo de Castelmola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 643 reviews
Reviewed By 760allyw
The medieval town of Castelmola can be viewed for miles around, looking as if it is perched somewhat precariously atop a peak. Access is best via the regular buses from Tarmina or by taxi (next to the Chiesa Sant'Antonio Abate). Cost of a taxi to climb the 4.7km to the top is about 20 euros. Be prepared to hang onto your seats on the hairpin bends! On arrival into the black and white marbled Piazza S Georgio you can either enjoy the panoramic views overlooking the bay and spot Mount Etna, or head for the cafe which has stood there since 1907. The owners purport it to be the site and origin of the local almond and bitter orange wine called vino alla mandorla opposite are the steps up to the castle, a Norman build. There is a lift available so even wheelers have the opportunity to take in the wonderful views. There is no admission fee
9. La Vara
10. Riserva Naturale Orientata Laghetti di Marinello
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 441 reviews
Reviewed By Dawson2019USA - Lake Tahoe (California), United States
Plese, visit it in the quiet season like in October. THe Sea is so clean, so quite, no people around and you will enjoy the Quiet. The View from Tindari is amazing, is stunning and i would like to live here
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