Choose from 5 Fun Things to Do in Messina
ShowingFilter 1-5 of 5 listings.
Neptune's Fountain (Fontana di Nettuno)
The powerful figure of Neptune appears in many fountains around Italy, including the Fontana di Nettuno - Neptune’s Fountain - in Messina. The Messina version was completed in 1557 by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli.
Montorsoli designed the Neptune figure to face the city of Messina from its original position near the harbor. The fountain was moved to its currently location in Piazza dell’Unità after it was damaged.
Neptune stands above a tiered fountain in the Messina square, holding his signature trident over the sculpted figures of two sea monsters representing two particularly treacherous rocks near Messina’s harbor. Neptune’s hand originally reached toward the city in a gesture of protection, though in the fountain’s current location his arm reaches toward the sea. Many tours of Messina’s city center include a stop at the fountain.
Practical Info
The Messina fountain predates the more famous Neptune fountain in Florence by seven years, and was probably an influence on the Florentine design.
Address: Via G. Garibaldi, Messina, Italy
From $ 115
Acireale
In addition to larger and more famous cities and towns on Sicily's eastern coast - like Catania, Taormina, and Syracuse - there are several notable towns that may not be on your radar but are excellent bases for exploring the area. One of these cities is Acireale, which sits at the base of Mount Etna, not far from Catania.
Attractions in Acireale include a number of beautiful churches (one of which is in the famous Sicilian Baroque style) and several public parks and gardens. One of the parks overlooks the sea, giving visitors the lovely combination of being surrounded by a nature reserve and having glorious views of the water.
Acireale is a mid-sized city, but compared to nearby popular destinations like Taormina it may feel a bit further away from the tourist crowds, even in the summer. The time when Acireale will feel like the entire planet has arrived is during the city's annual Carnival celebrations.
Carnival - or "Carnevale" in Italian - occurs each year right before Lent. The exact dates change every year, but it usually happens during mid-to-late February or early March. You've probably heard of the elaborate costumes of the Venice Carnival, but Acireale's contributions to the Carnival season are larger than life: floats adorned with enormous and colorful allegorical characters parade through the city. There are often more than 10 days of festivities, including parades for children in costume, musical performances and fireworks.
The Carnival parades have proved so popular that Acireale stages "summer carnival parades," too, so check the schedule of events for the time when you'll be visiting the area.
Attractions in Acireale include a number of beautiful churches (one of which is in the famous Sicilian Baroque style) and several public parks and gardens. One of the parks overlooks the sea, giving visitors the lovely combination of being surrounded by a nature reserve and having glorious views of the water.
Acireale is a mid-sized city, but compared to nearby popular destinations like Taormina it may feel a bit further away from the tourist crowds, even in the summer. The time when Acireale will feel like the entire planet has arrived is during the city's annual Carnival celebrations.
Carnival - or "Carnevale" in Italian - occurs each year right before Lent. The exact dates change every year, but it usually happens during mid-to-late February or early March. You've probably heard of the elaborate costumes of the Venice Carnival, but Acireale's contributions to the Carnival season are larger than life: floats adorned with enormous and colorful allegorical characters parade through the city. There are often more than 10 days of festivities, including parades for children in costume, musical performances and fireworks.
The Carnival parades have proved so popular that Acireale stages "summer carnival parades," too, so check the schedule of events for the time when you'll be visiting the area.
Address: Sicily, Italy, Italy
From $ 116
Messina Cruise Port
The Messina port, set in the busy port city on the narrow Strait of Messina, is many cruisers’ first taste of Sicily. The closest Sicilian city to mainland Italy and a popular port of call for Mediterranean and European cruises, Messina offers striking architecture, flavorful street food, and easy access to Taormina, Mount Etna, and other Sicilian sights.
The Basics
Messina is rich in history and culture, and bus or Segway tours of the city cover highlights like the 12th-century Duomo with its bell tower and astronomical clock, the Regional Museum of Messina, and the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, as well as the nearby Cape of Peloro along the coast. If you want to delve deeper into the island, join a shore excursion to the clifftop town of Taormina, famous for its ancient Greek theater, pretty center, and picturesque coastline. Many Taormina tours also include a stop at the scenic village of Castelmola and Mount Etna, Italy’s largest active volcano. Another popular option is a Cyclops Riviera tour along Sicily’s lush eastern coast, with stops at the fishing hamlets of Acireale and Catania.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Local bus and train services can be unreliable; opt for a shore excursion that includes roundtrip transportation to avoid worrying about making it back to the ship in time.
- City tours include visits to important chapels and churches, which require modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
- Shore excursions, especially those stopping at Mount Etna, include significant stretches of time outdoors and some walking. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and choose comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Sicily is famous for its unique cuisine and excellent street food, so be sure to sample some local delicacies while exploring the island.
How to Get to Messina from the Messina Cruise Port
The Messina cruise port sits directly in downtown Messina, so it’s easy to walk straight off the ship and into the Piazza del Duomo, the heart of the historic center. There isn’t much need for taxis, as most of the city’s main sights are within walking distance of one another. If you do choose to go further afield, car rentals and taxis are readily available.
Port Information
The language in Messina is Italian, and despite the city’s port status, English is not commonly spoken. The main tourist hubs are a bit more English-friendly. The currency is the euro and ATMs can be found throughout the city. Stop by the Tourism Office at Piazza Stazione for additional information.
Address: Via V Emanuele 11, n 3, Messina, Sicily 98100, Italy
From $ 64
Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico)
Each day at noon, a crowd gathers beneath the bell tower of Messina’s Cathedral to watch as the gilded statues on the astronomical clock seem to come to life. As the bells chime, the lion roars, the rooster crows, statues strike the hour, and mechanical figures replay biblical and allegorical scenes. It's a spectacle no tourist should miss.
The Basics
The Cathedral’s original 200-foot (61-meter) bell tower was built in the late 16th century, but after being destroyed by an earthquake, it was rebuilt and, in 1933, an astronomical clock was added. Designed by the firm Ungerer of Strasbourg, it is said to be the largest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock in the world.
One of the biggest draws in Messina, the 12-minute show is a highlight of any Messina city tour. In addition to watching the midday spectacle, you can also visit the inside of the bell tower, climbing the staircase to see the bronze statues up close and the complex internal mechanism of weights and gears behind their movements. At the top, take in the beautiful view over the city of Messina and the strait between the island of Sicily and Italy’s mainland.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The bell tower is closed to visitors inside when it rains.
- Due to small spaces and steep stairs, the clock tower is not accessible to wheelchair users; the square below is accessible to watch to the noon show.
- Walking tours of Messina involve a significant amount of time on your feet, so choose comfortable shoes and clothing.
How to Get There
The bell tower and astronomical clock are located adjacent Messina’s Cathedral (Duomo di Messina) in Piazza del Duomo in the historic center of the city, an easy walk from the ferry terminal or train station.
When to Get There
The opening hours of the bell tower are very complex and change almost weekly. Check times carefully if you want to climb to the top to avoid disappointment.
The Clock Tower Features
At the top of the tower, there are mechanical clock faces on all four sides. Down one side are the perpetual calendar, mechanisms to track the phases of the moon, and the planetary movements; down the front are the numerous gilded statues that move each day as the clock strikes midday.
Address: Piazza Duomo, Messina, Sicily, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Annunziata dei Catalani Church
This stunning example of 12 and 13th century religious architecture is one of the most-prized landmarks in all of Messina. That’s because a 1908 earthquake leveled much of the city but let this prestigious structure untouched. Today, Annunziata is used as a church for the nearby University, but travelers can still visit the place and take in much of its original splendor.
From the western entrance, travelers will find three ancient doors that decorate a remarkably well-preserved façade. Once inside, they’ll be greeted by towering Corinthian columns in yellow, white and red stone. An iconic statue of Don Juan of Austria—with his foot standing atop the head of Ali Bassa, an Ottoman leader—is located towards the rear of the church.
Practical Info
The church is located at Via Garibaldi Giuseppe, 111, 98122 Messina ME in Italy. It is between the Duomo and the University of Messina. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. It is free to enter.
Address: Via Garibaldi Giuseppe, 111, Messina ME 98122, Italy
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-11:30am and Sun 9am-11:30am
From $ 22