View of the Sicily (Messina), Italy cityscape
KICK YOUR BOOTS OFF

Cruise to Sicily (Messina), Italy

Messina is Sicily's panoramic gateway — located on the northeastern corner of the island, the city just kisses the boot of mainland Italy's southern tip. Get lost among the patchwork of churches and antique palaces. The Messina Cathedral is in the heart of the city, and its famous bell tower houses the largest mechanical clock in the world — every day at noon, the statues move to Schubert's "Ave Maria." In front of this church, you'll find the Fontana di Orione, a 16th-century fountain that's a work of art in itself, with sculptures of figures from ancient mythology. Cruise to Sicily and take a leisurely walk to the Sacrario di Cristo Re, a hilltop church with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains.
National Language Italian, Sicilian
Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Sicily (Messina)

Orions fountain in Sicily (Messina), Italy

Photographer's Playground

Orions fountain in Sicily (Messina), Italy

Orions fountain in Sicily (Messina), Italy

Photographer's Playground

Messina's panoramic views and patchwork of architectural styles are an invitation for the creative photographer. The Neptune and Orione fountains created by Michelangelo's collaborator, Montorsoli are renaissance masterpieces.

An ancient eternal calendar

Dawn of the Duomo

An ancient eternal calendar

An ancient eternal calendar

Dawn of the Duomo

Head to the Astronomical Clock at noon to catch the tower's daily spectacle, starring its bronze statue carousel. The 12th-century Santissima Annunziata Church, Gothic-style Messina Cathedral and the 19th-century Galleria V. Emanuele III span through centuries of architectural diversity.

View of various buildings from a look out point in Messina, Sicily
View of various buildings from a look out point in Messina, Sicily

A Piazza With a View

Once you reach the Sacrario di Cristo Re, you'll discover a panoramic view of the strait and most of Messina. Visit the beautiful temple and the tomb of the unknown soldier during your Sicily cruise. Afterward, walk back down to Piazza Cairoli to Viale San Martino where you can enjoy a refreshing granita, a sorbet-like Sicilian treat.

Three arancinis on a napkin
Three arancinis on a napkin

Local Cuisine

The cuisine here is one of the most antique in Sicily, with influences from Greek and Arabic cultures. Try Messina specialty la ghiotta di pesce stocco, filets of cod or swordfish baked in tomato sauce with potatoes, capers and herbs. Sample Sicilian bucatini, which combines pasta with local sardines and North African-inspired flavors like saffron, pine nuts and raisins. Or hit up the street vendors for arancini, the cheesy balls of fried rice that are the ultimate Sicilian comfort food.

Assorted colorful ceramic souvenirs
Assorted colorful ceramic souvenirs

Shopping

Shop in local markets for the typical products, such as cheese, figs and marzipan. Visit the Galleria V. Emanuele — the world's oldest active shopping mall, dating back to the 1800s — for artisanal crafts such as coral jewelry, hand-painted glazed ceramics and fine crocheted items. Stop in the small shops off the main roads to see artisans at work during your Sicily cruise.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Messina is a great place to discover by foot; within 10 minutes you can be at the Cathedral.
2 Go from the Cathedral to the Piazza Cairoli for shopping or to relax at a local cafe with a gelato and espresso.

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