What to see and do in Messina, Sicily, Italy

Messina is located on the northeast tip of the island of Sicily where ferries cross the 3 mile strait between the island and Italy

The bell tower on the Cathederal of Messina holds the Messina astronomical clock, one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world.

We visited Messina on 9/18/2005 and spent the day walking through the streets of the city. From the Palazzo del Monte di Pietà, there is a nice view of the city.

Messina is the third largest city in Sicily and is a major port and commercial center. The city has a rich history, having been founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC and later conquered by the Romans. During the Middle Ages, Messina was an important center of trade and commerce, and it played a major role in the Kingdom of Sicily.

In 1908, Messina was struck by a devastating earthquake that claimed the lives of over 80,000 people. The city was rebuilt in the following years and today, it is a thriving metropolis with a bustling port and a vibrant cultural scene.

Some of the notable attractions in Messina include the Cathedral of Messina, which houses the famous "Stella del Mattino" (Morning Star) astronomical clock, the Regional Museum of Messina, which showcases the history and culture of the city and the surrounding region, and the Fountain of Orion, a beautiful baroque fountain located in the city center.

Overall, Messina is a city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and plenty of cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists visiting Sicily.

Looking for things to do?  Viator offers numerous tours in the Messina area.  Click here for details.

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