- Tours›
- Highlights
Essential Messina - walking tour
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.
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
Want to personalize this tour?
- Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
- Click below to tell us what you are looking for:
Inclusions & Exclusions
guiding fee
transportation fee from or to the hotel, entrance fee to the bell tower Euro 4 per person, food or drinks
Tour Important Information
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
Important message from the guide
Please contact me in advance
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
