City Sightseeing Messina

Messina sightseeing tour -Two routes – one ticket!

Messina lies on the far North Eastern side of Sicily, on the lower slopes of the Peloritani Mountains. Though Messina was battered with bombing raids in 1943 and has suffered several earthquakes during its history, it is still a beautiful City. It has much cultural and artistic heritage to offer. Take an open top bus tour of the city, take in panoramic views of Messina from the top deck and hop on and off at conveniently located stops along the route. Let City Sightseeing highlight all that the city has to offer. Admire the fountain in the Piazza Duomo, the monument to the Immaculate Madonna and the Duomo itself. The Duomo is a fine example of Sicilian Norman architecture which has retained its original medieval lines. It was sanctified in 1197, destroyed in the 1908 earthquake and rebuilt. Marvel at its three grand gothic entrances and distinctive façade which is adorned with marble and reliefs of the fourteenth century depicting everyday events of fourteenth century life. If you are in the square at noon, you can witness the world's largest astronomical clock come to life with mechanical figures and music. The majestic Cristo Re Cathedral is also worth a visit, with its domed spire and yellow stone walls.

Explore the beautiful city of Messina from the top deck of an open top tour bus!

Hop off at Via Garibaldi, the City's main artery. The long, straight street runs through the centre stretch adjacent to the docks. The impressive Teatro Vittorio Emanuele opened in 1852, and although badly damaged, was not destroyed by the earthquake. The Unification of Italy, in the square, is the fountain of Neptune. The statues of Neptune and Scilla are nineteenth century copies, but if you visit Museo Regionale you will have the opportunity to see the originals. A former silk weaving mill, the museum is home to the collections of the Civico Museo Peloritano and a number of works rescued from the ruins of palaces and churches destroyed in the earthquake and in the Second World War. The museum consist of separate sections exhibited around a courtyard, encompassing archaeology, medieval art, Renaissance and later art, goldsmithery and crafts.

Hop on and off at your leisure. Discover Messina at your pace.

Whether you enjoy a full journey of the city or hop on and off the bus tour at your leisure, let City Sightseeing help you to make the most of your stay. Relax at Laghi di Ganzirri (the twin Lakes of Ganzirri), a peaceful location away from the vibrant city life. Messina also boasts a nationally renowned University, botanical gardens and a thriving Institute of Marine Biology. Acquerio di Messina presents 22 tanks displaying 60 varieties of Mediterranean fish as well as sponges and sea anemones. Events and exhibitions are also on offer throughout the season. The city comes alive at night, with cafes and pubs buzzing with people. The Piazza del Duomo hosts numerous free classical and jazz concerts throughout the summer that provide a nice precursor to the effervescent nightlife which offers a range of bars and pubs.

Stop 1

Route A: 50 mins
Route B: 90 mins

Every 60 mins

First tour Route A: From 09.00

First tour Route B: From 09.30

24 hours

Pre-recorded English, Italian, French, German, Spanish Russian.