The 7 Best things to do in Messina
Messina was the first stop on my trip around Sicily, and a lot of research went into finding all the things to do in Messina before I arrived. One of the main reasons we chose Messina is the history. It has had colonists such as the Romans, the Goths, and the Normans, and because of that there are a lot of archaeological sites to visit.
We also spoke to our family who live in Italy to find out what to see in Messina. So hopefully you enjoy this best things to do in Messina guide. Let's get started.
How do I choose the best things to do in Messina Italy?
Like I said, we have family around Italy who give us all the little tips around the country. We also speak Italian. So we spoke to quite a lot of people when we were visiting restaurants in Messina to find out what their best things to do in Messina were.
Here are the top things to do in Messina:
1. The Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
I think the number one thing to do in Messina is check out the Messina Cathedral. This was built by the Normans in the 12th century. However, it went through a lot of destruction such as earthquakes and bombardment during World War II. What you will see now is a 20th century renovation with copies of some of the original statues. But it is absolutely incredible inside. You can see lots of paintings and mosaics on the floor.
You can also check out the tower. This is a 60 metre tower where you will see a lot of bronze statues that represent different biblical stories. What I absolutely love is that at the top there is a balcony and you get a whole view of Messina all the way to mainland Italy. Messina is so close to mainland Italy.
If you are there around lunchtime, and I mean at 12 o'clock exactly, there is actually a 12 minute performance at the cathedral. You can see the statues emerging and turning on carousels. I thought that was really cool to see. In terms of finding it, it is right in the centre and it is huge so you will not be able to miss it.
You can also take an inexpensive tour that will allow you to learn more about the Cathedral and tower.
2. Climb up to the Shrine of Christ the King
If you like walking, what we did was walk up to the Tempio di Cristo Re. This is a war memorial very high up in Messina. It was built on top of a hill after World War II in 1947. Inside are the remains of the people who fell during this time. The shrine inside has a Baroque star architecture.
We actually went early in the morning because it gets quite hot during the summer. It does open at 9 AM so do not go too early. Bear in mind it also closes at 12:30 and is not open on Sundays. It is a magnificent place to visit in Messina and you can really see from the pictures how much effort went into building this place.
Once your up there one of my favourite things to do in Messina was actually check out the view from the Shrine as its so high. You get a great view of the ocean and rest of Sicily.
3. Pass by the Fontana di Orione & Nettuno
Next up are the fountains. You have got the Fontana di Orione and the Fontana di Nettuno. These are great examples of what to see in Messina if you enjoy art and history.
Fontana di Orione
The Fontana di Orione was built in 1553 and has been known as one of the most beautiful fountains of the 16th century. However, when we went there it was actually being restored, so it is regularly restored. I did not manage to get a good picture of it so I did not put one in. It has Carrara marble and shows Orion lounging. It is very highly decorated.
Fontana di Nettuno
Because the Fontana di Orione went down so well, the Senate actually commissioned the Fontana di Nettuno, and that was near the water. I stumbled across this as I was walking around Messina. You can see the god Neptune with a three-pronged spear with his hand facing towards the water of Messina. There are seahorses and dolphins around it too.
This was coming up towards lunchtime and there are a couple of benches there where you can sit down and really take in the history. A great thing to do in Messina.
4. Learn about the historic artefacts at the Messina Regional Museum
I would also say go to Messina's Regional Museum if you are looking for what to see in Messina. It is about a 30 minute walk away from Messina town. You will be able to see quite a few items such as Norman items and paintings from the 15th century, and a lot more.
I recommend about two hours to really experience everything it has to offer. Entry last time I checked was €10 or you can book a museum tour, which I like to do. You have the little inscriptions in English but sometimes you want someone to really explain the artefacts to you.
Something to note is they are open Tuesday to Saturday 9 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. What is interesting is they have free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
5. La Vara di Messina
If you are in Messina in August, every year on the 15th of August they have a procession dedicated to Madonna Assunta. You will see a lot of people pulling a massive cart with a papier-mache and wood structure to celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. This is one of the best things to do in Messina.
The base of the cart holds the figure of the Virgin Mary, and above that, heaven is shown. Messina is just filled with lots of people watching. At night they have an incredible fireworks display. A must-see if you are there in August.
6. Take a private pasta making class
Another thing to do in Messina that you might not have time to do elsewhere is a private pasta-making workshop. Messina is a very quiet town and what I loved about it is that you could really relax. So I had time to do a private pasta making workshop.
The one I went on, you get to try making three different Sicilian pasta recipes. Once you have made it, you get to sit down with the people you have made friends with, and they pair it with red and white wines. This is something I will never forget and a must-do thing to do in Messina.
7. Take the Private Godfather tour
If you are into tours and have some extra time, I would recommend going on a private Godfather tour. You will be able to go to the filming locations in Savoca. You go to the Church of Santa Lucia and Bar Vitelli and you can hear about all the behind-the-scenes stories that you just would not find out otherwise.
Even if you have not watched it, I would still recommend it. It really gives you a unique lens into Messina's history and will learn something new. I would recommend booking out the whole day for this one because it does take about four to six hours.
Final thoughts on what to do in Messina
I hope you liked my best things to do in Messina guide. As I said, there were a lot of recommendations from the locals and family, so you can really get an authentic experience. My recommendation would be to ask locals when you are sitting out at dinner what else there is to see.
If you have done something I have not listed in this blog please drop a comment in the comment box below so my readers can get more value. And if you are still planning your Sicily trip, check out my other guides to help you plan.
FAQ's about things to do in Messina
What are the best tours in Messina?
- Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Messina
- Private Godfather tour from Messina Cruise Terminal
- 2.5-Hour Messina Walking Tour
How to spend one day in Messina
If I had one day in Messina and I was looking for things to do I would be walking everywhere. I would start off by going to the Tempio di Cristo Re. Then I would go to the Basilica Cathedral di Santa Maria Assunta. I would also go to the Fontana di Orione and the Fontana di Nettuno and then finish that off with a spritz before heading on to my next city like Taormina or Cefalù.
Is Messina walkable from the cruise port
Absolutely. It is right next to the Basilica Cathedral di Santa Maria Assunta, literally like a two minute walk. So as you can see from my guide above you will be able to get off the cruise ship and walk around and visit all the sites.
One day in Messina from a cruise ship
One day in Messina from a cruise ship is absolutely enough. I would probably cut out the museum but I would go check out the fountains, the Tempio di Cristo Re, and if you can get there by lunch, go to the Messina Cathedral to see the 12 minute performance. This was one of my favourite things to do in Messina.
Are there family-friendly activities in Messina?
Yes, families can enjoy a visit to the Regional Museum of Messina. You can also spend a day at the local beaches for a relaxing and fun-filled experience.