Free walking tours in Messina and what to see

Must-sees

Messina is Sicily's gateway from the mainland, across the strait that separates it from Calabria. The 1908 earthquake destroyed almost the whole city, which is why it now has wide avenues and many rebuilt buildings. Piazza del Duomo brings together the cathedral, of Norman origin and rebuilt after the quake, the Fountain of Orion, a Renaissance work by Montorsoli, and the bell tower with its astronomical clock, whose mechanical figures spring into motion every day.

Close by is the small church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, from the Norman period. The Regional Museum holds two works by Caravaggio and paintings by Antonello da Messina, the great painter born in the city. At the harbour mouth, the statue of the Madonna della Lettera welcomes the ships. To the north, at Ganzirri and Torre Faro, are the coastal lakes and Capo Peloro, where the Tyrrhenian meets the Ionian.

Free tours and guided visits

Civitatis has a guided walk of Messina and a food tour to try local specialities, but there is no regular free tour. Most activities use the city as a starting point for Taormina: the excursion on its own or combined with Giardini Naxos, Castelmola or a winery on the slopes of Etna. There is also a version designed for cruise passengers, who disembark at the port next to the centre.

How long to spend

A day is enough for Piazza del Duomo, the clock, the Annunziata dei Catalani and the Regional Museum. If you add an afternoon at Ganzirri and Torre Faro and an excursion to Taormina, allow two or three days. Messina also works as a base for crossing to Calabria or continuing to Milazzo and the Aeolian Islands.

Where to stay

The centre, between the cathedral, Via Garibaldi and the port, is the most practical area: there are city hotels and apartments, and the station and ferry terminal are close. If you prefer the sea and peace and quiet, the north coast towards Ganzirri and Mortelle has places to stay by the beach, in exchange for relying on the bus or a car.