Meeting Point

The Church of the Catalans

The Church of the Catalans

The Church of the Catalans in Messina, built between 1150 and 1200, is an eclectic mix of Arab, Byzantine, and Norman architectural styles. Close to the Castellammare fortress, it preserves ancient paintings and artworks, testifying to the city's complex history through the centuries.

The church of San Francesco

Church of San Francesco d’Assisi, on Viale Boccetta, is the first temple of the Franciscan order in Sicily. Inside is the tomb of King Frederick III of Aragon of Sicily. The temple is portrayed in the painting of the Pietà with three angels, a work by Antonello da Messina kept at the Correr Museum in Venice.

Gallery of Gallery Vittorio Emanuele

Close to Piazza Duomo, is the scenic and eclectic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III. The structure is in Art Nouveau style. The peculiarity of the building is the presence of a roofed shopping mall. Three arms converge towards the centre, covered by an enormous glass dome. The ceiling has multicoloured stained glass windows, and the floor is decorated with mosaics. Truly marvellous!

Orion Fountain

It is impossible not to notice the most beautiful fountain of the 16th century in Europe. The monumental Orion Fountain is near the cathedral, and it honours the city’s founder. The work of art was realised by the Florentine Montorsoli, a student of Michelangelo, and was named by the art historian Berenson.

Cathedral

We can start our city tour, by having a walk in the historic area around the Duomo, surrounded by the scent of the sea. The passage of the typical horse-drawn carriages is very suggestive, and it represents the essence of Messina’s Belle Époque. The stunning Cathedral with its three late-Gothic portals and the great mosaic of Christ Pantocratore is worth a visit. Inside is one of the largest polyphonic organs in Europe, in perfect working order.

Norman bell tower

The 60-metre-high Norman bell tower of the Duomo is a highlight. On the façade is the largest and most impressive mechanical and astronomical clock in the world. A must-see experience is to be in the square at midday, looking up at the original and famous carousel of gilded bronze statues. You can listen to Schubert’s Ave Maria, playing for about 12 minutes.

Ending Point

Orion Fontain