Messina is an amazing city, and its unique setting on the Straits separating Sicily from Italy inspired a saying: "Messina is the gate to Italy!".
During our walking tour you’ll see the amazing view over the straits and I’ll tell you all about the glorious past of the city and the many legends connected to that. Churches, fountains, elegant palaces and cafès where the real Messinesi stop to meet friends and also to discuss business, that’s all you’re going to savour during this tour.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Piazza Municipio, Messina
Piazza Municipio
Meeting at Piazza Municipio and description of the tour
We will start our tour just outside the port of Messina, a natural entrance to the city. Then we’ll come around an imposing marble statue portraying the city as a young woman with a crown on her head. From there an excellent view over the straits and also over the hills at the back of Messina will give you the idea of the unique spot where we are.
While walking I will tell you about the fascinating myths and legends related to the Strait of Messina dealing with monsters and a sorceress who made it impossible to cross it, and about the devastating earthquake that shattered the city in 1908.
Catalani Church and statue of Don Giovanni d'Austria
Walking around the two features and description
The bell tower and the Cathedral
We visit the bell tower and the Cathedral.
Did you know that the bell tower is decorated with golden statues and hosts the largest Astronomical clock in Europe? 230 steps (no elevator I'm afraid!) and you'll reach the top to get close to the actual statues and the mechanism moving them. From the terrace you'll have a splendid view of the whole city and of the sea too!
A local bakery
You can enjoy snacks here.
carousel at the astronomical clock
carousel at the astronomical clock and end of the tour opposite the Cathedral
Ending Point
In front of the Cathedral
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guiding fee
transportation fee from or to the hotel, entrance fee to the bell tower Euro 4 per person, food or drinks
I can pick you up at your hotel but depending on where this is located you will need to take a taxi or a minivan and we'll have to move back our meeting time.
If you want me pick you up at your hotel, I can arrange the transportation.
If you come to Messina by cruise ship, it is very close to the meeting point. I'll pick you up at the port terminal.
The extended tour including the Museum of Messina is not available on Mondays
Please contact me in advance
I'm a professional tour guide since 2000 and I'm very committed and focused on sharing my home region's richness in natural, historical and cultural beauty with people approaching Sicily. This is a land where we care about the others and our lifestyle is easy and relaxed.
In showing people around I always try to mix descriptions of the Sicilian cultural heritage with detailed insights on what being Sicilians means.
“Caterina was great”
Caterina met us early at the ferry from reggio, she spent over 2 hours giving us the tour of messina, she was very knowledgeable and professional, highly recommended.
Caterina D.
Thank you for your kind words Keith. It was a great pleasure for me to show you around. Having guests like you and your party is what makes my job great! See you soon back in Sicily.
$230/ per group