Gateway to Sicily from southern Italy but also from the Aeolian Islands, Messina is certainly a city of passage, but also a city to discover. There are many things to see in the city but especially around it. Several activities from Messina are possible, towards the South with Mount Etna, towards the North, as towards the Aeolian Islands.
In this article, you will discover all the things to do and see in Messina, the surroundings but also where to sleep in Messina, especially if you are staying in the city before taking the ferry to the Aeolian Islands.
- Visiting Messina: What to do and see?
- What to do around Messina? Excursions from Messina
- Where to sleep in Messina? Neighborhoods and housing
- Practical tips for visiting Messina
Visiting Messina: What to do and see?
Let's start our article with things to visit in Messina. Few visits strictly speaking but many things to see.
- Discover the Cathedral of Messina
- Observe the astronomical clock in the bell tower of Messina
- Visit the church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani
- Visit the church of Santa Maria dei Alemani
- Take a verre on the Piazza del Duomo
- Admire the stunning Fountain of Orion
- Explore the Regional Museum of Messina
- Visit the Palazzo Zanca
- Stroll along the port and admire the Madonnina del Porto
- Discover the Strait of Messina
Discover the Cathedral of Messina
If you plan to visit Messina, start with the cathedral which is the emblematic monument of Messina.
It is the second largest cathedral in Sicily after that of Palermo. Dedicated to the Madonna of the Letter, it was built during the Byzantine period and was consecrated in 1197 under Pope Celestino III.
Even if some parts had to be rebuilt over the years following numerous earthquakes or fires, the current version is faithful to the original version of 1197. It reflects a mixture of several architectural styles: Norman, Gothic and Baroque . It was reopened for worship in 1947 and Pope Pius XII then gave it the title of basilica.
Guided tours are offered, including a visit to the bell tower and the church of Santa Annunziata dei Catalani.
Guided Segway Tour of Messina
Take a 3-hour guided Segway tour of Messina.
After a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the Segway, you will discover the city for 3 hours, accompanied by a guide who will tell you about the history of the city. Learn more
Explore the Regional Museum of Messina
Visiting the Regional Museum is an activity that is absolutely recommended to do in Messina. Indeed, the museum has an exceptional collection of pieces dating from the Byzantine and Norman period as well as works by many local artists including the great painter Antonello de Messina, whose magnificent Polyptych of Saint Gregory you can admire. You will also find works by the famous painter Caravaggio.
To book: Entrance to the Regional Museum of MessinaObserve the astronomical clock in the bell tower of Messina
A little before noon, go to Piazza Duomo, the central square on which the cathedral is located, to attend a surprising spectacle which is a must in Messina. Indeed, the bell tower of Messina houses within it one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world. And every day at noon, you can admire the various bronze statues that come alive and rotate on carousels, all to music. The performance lasts about ten minutes and is truly impressive.
Built in 1564, the bell tower, damaged by the earthquake of 1783, collapsed in 1858. The one that is present today was rebuilt between 1930 and 1933. It is possible to visit the bell tower to see the functioning of the clock as well as the statues closer. You can also enjoy a superb view of the city.
Visit the church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani
Near the Cathedral of Messina, do not miss to visit the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalania. This superb building bears witness to the religious architecture of the 12th and 13th centuries. Very well preserved, it is one of the oldest churches in Messina, but also one of the most beautiful.
Spared by the earthquake which leveled the city, it is remarkably well preserved. It is divided into 3 naves with a central dome. Its originality comes from its mixture of two architectural styles: Norman and Gothic.
Visit the church of Santa Maria dei Alemani
Located next to the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, this church is also worth a visit. Built during the 13th century on order of the Teutonic order, it is one of the rare examples of Gothic architecture in Sicily, this style not being very widespread. Fallen into ruin after the departure of the order, it was saved thanks to numerous restorations.
Take a verre on the Piazza del Duomo
One of the things to do in Messina during your stay is to stop for a drink in one of the cafes in the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, in the heart of the historic center. You will be able to relax while enjoying the incomparable charm of this place. This is where the sumptuous Cathedral of Messina and its bell tower are located, as well as the Fountain of Orion.
Admire the stunning Fountain of Orion
Located just opposite the cathedral, you cannot miss the splendid Fountain of Orion. Designed in the 15th century by a pupil of Michelangelo, Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, it is one of the most beautiful fountains from that time. It depicts mythological scenes. A little further on the Palazzo del Governo square, you can also admire the Fountain of Neptune built in 1557 by the same artist. It symbolizes Neptune offering the sea to the city of Messina.
Visit the Palazzo Zanca
This neoclassical style palace was designed by Antonio Zanca, hence the origin of its name. It is now the seat of the Town Hall. You can observe on its facade different sculptures symbolizing the various historical events that marked the city. On the upper part, you can observe the Queen of Peloro holding a trident in her hand, symbol of a prosperous city.
Stroll along the port and admire the Madonnina del Porto
You cannot visit Messina without strolling around the port to admire the impressive Madonnina del Porto. This golden bronze statue, 60 meters high, represents the Madonna of the Letter, patroness of the city. It welcomes visitors arriving by sea. On its huge base is inscribed: “Vos et ipsam civitatem benedicimus”, which means: “We bless you and your city”. The Madonnina del Porto is also visible when you go to the heights of the city to admire the strait.
Discover the Strait of Messina
Climb to the heights of the city to admire the Strait of Messina which separates the Italian peninsula from Sicily or go to Cape Peloro. It is here that the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas meet and the width of the strait is the smallest (3,3 km). You can swim in this place and enjoy superb crystal clear waters as well as an incredible view. You will find pretty sandy beaches and the seabed is very rich, ideal for snorkelling or diving.
What to do around Messina? Excursions from Messina
If you spend several days in Messina, then I advise you to discover the surroundings of the city. Some of the major places of interest in Sicily are in the surroundings of Messina and are worth a look.
Etna
Located 1h30 south of Messina, Etna is, of course, one of the region's must-sees. Many excursions are possible to discover the emblematic volcano of Sicily. If you have a car, then go straight to the side of Etna and opt for a guided tour that will allow you to approach the summit of the volcano. The surroundings of the crater, beyond the cable car, are only accessible if you are accompanied by a guide.
Excursion to the top of EtnaOpt for a guided tour including the ascent by cable car then by 4×4 and finally end your journey with a short hike to the summit of Etna. Learn more
Taormina
Taormina is one of the places not to be missed in Sicily. This small town is definitely one of my favorite places on the island. Divided into two parts, the lower part, the beach and the upper part, the old town, Taormina has an incredible charm. Its small streets and squares, not to mention its sumptuous Roman theater are among the jewels of the small town.
Taormina will also offer you a breathtaking view of Etna. To appreciate the city as it should be, you can opt for a guided tour of Taormina.
Aeolian islands
Messina is, together with Milazzo, one of the main starting points for the Aeolian Islands. Indeed many connections, especially to Stromboli, are possible from the city. It is possible to reach the latter in 1h30 or Lipari in 1h20.
The activities on the Aeolian Islands are numerous, the ascent of Stromboli being the main one, but the discovery of Vulcano and its mud baths or Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, are also visits not to be missed.
Ferry to the Aeolian IslandsBook your ferry to the Aeolian Islands departing from Messina and reach Stromboli or Lipari in 1h30. See the ferries
Where to sleep in Messina? Neighborhoods and housing
Now let's move on to one of the most important practical aspects of your stay in Messina, accommodation. The question of “where to sleep in Messina” will inevitably arise whether you are in the city for a few days, or just overnight to catch a ferry to Italy or the Aeolian Islands.
Where to sleep in Messina?
Messina is not a very large city. The hyper center of the city will, of course, be the best choice. You will then be close to the old town with its cathedral and its Duomo square, but also to the port and the train station.
The “New Moselle district” located not far from the port can be a wise choice. It will have the advantage of taking you quickly to the port of the city if you take a ferry.
The “Via Vittoria Emanuele II” avenue, which runs along the sea, also has very nice hotels to stay in Messina.
The most beautiful accommodations in Messina
Here are some great places to stay in Messina. Hotels or bed and breakfasts particularly well rated by travelers passing through the city.
Vmaison Hotel
Located less than 10 minutes walk from the port of Messina, the Vmaison hotel is one of the best rated in Messina. The hotel offers beautiful, spacious and tastefully decorated rooms. One of the best places to stay in Messina. Hotel See rates
Opera Relay
The Opera Relais is also one of the very good places to sleep in Messina. This B&B offers different rooms with refined decoration very popular with travelers passing through the city. However, it is its location, 50m from the port of Messina, which is its main asset. B&B See rates
Hotel CineApollo
Hotel CineApollo offers rooms and suites with original decoration. This accommodation, located between the hyper center of Messina, its cathedral and its main square on one side, and the port on the other, is one of the best rated accommodations in Messina. Aparthotel See rates
Cheap sleep in Messina
Here are three addresses for inexpensive accommodation in Messina. The first two addresses will allow you to sleep for around fifty euros in Messina. The last, slightly more expensive, around 80€ per night, is one of the best places to stay in Messina.
B&B Antonello da Messina
Ideally located in the center of Messina, 300m from the cathedral and 10 minutes walk from the port of Messina, this B&B offers double rooms which will be perfect for one or more nights in the city if you are looking for budget accommodation. Count 50€ per night. B&B See rates
Theater on the Strait
Here is an apartment that will be perfect for travelers wanting to benefit from accommodation near the port at a lower cost. For fifty euros you will stay in a double room 3 minutes walk from the port of Messina. Ideal if you need to catch an early morning ferry. Apartment See prices
Elysium B&B
Slightly more expensive, around €80 per night, the Elysium B&B offers modern and designer rooms that will suit people wanting to stay near the port and looking for mid-range accommodation. A highly rated address with an ideal location. B&B See rates
Practical tips for visiting Messina
How many days to visit Messina?
Messina is not a very big city, 1 day is enough to see most of the city's must-sees.How to get to Messina?
The nearest airport is Catania airport, located 96 km or 1h15 drive from Messina.It is possible to reach Messina from Catania (2h30) or Palermo (3h10) by train.
By car it will take you respectively 2h30 from Palermo and 1h15 from Catania.
Our article on the visit of Messina ends, do not hesitate to share with us, in the comments of this article, your advice and good addresses to discover Messina.
