Culture of Messina. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces
Messina is rich in architectural sights of various periods, and one of the main symbols of the city is the wonderful Duomo di Messina. The cathedral built in the 12th century has survived repeatable reconstructions and destructions over the centuries. However, many elements of the building have remained unchanged after such a long period. The most beautiful marbles were used to decorate its facade, elegant Gothic windows have been preserved in the upper part of the cathedral. A valuable collection of artworks was once stored within the cathedral walls, but only a few of them have survived to our time. The reason for this was numerous earthquakes, after which the cathedral had to be rebuilt several times.
Messina is a large port city that offers its guests all kinds of entertainment. The city creates excellent conditions for beach recreation and water sports. First-class sports centers and … Open
1. Messina has a large port where active navigation is carried out even at night. Here, tourists are offered interesting tours of other Sicilian cities, as well as trips to remote beaches. … Open
The most unusual attraction is the old cemetery Cimitero Monumentale Gran Camposanto, which was officially recognized as one of the most beautiful in Italy. The monumental cemetery is of great value from an architectural point of view, as beautiful monuments and sculptures in the styles of Art Nouveau and neoclassicism have been preserved here. The cemetery is located on a hilltop and looks in no way like a burial place in the usual sense of the word. Here you can see wonderful sculptures and magnificent trees at every step, interesting landscape compositions adorn the territory of the cemetery. At the top of the hill, you will find several great viewpoints.
Just outside the city center is the wonderful Chiesa di San Francesco all’Immacolata, whose construction began in 1254. It took 28 years to build the beautiful temple by the order of the wealthiest citizens who made the biggest donations. Originally, the church was distinguished by beautiful architecture and rich decoration. In the first years after the foundation, many noble citizens were buried here. Their tombs are now of great historical value, too. In 1908, the church was completely destroyed by an earthquake, and it took 20 years for Messina residents to restore it completely. Since 1928, the church has been operating continuously.
A very interesting museum is housed in the Cathedral building and is called the Museo Tesoro del Duomo. It was founded in the cathedral treasury where an interesting collection of valuable items has been collected in the four halls. Here one can see ancient religious items, as well as luxurious gifts that noble residents of the city and its guests once presented to the cathedral. The most valuable exhibit is the golden mantle made by the famous 17th-century jeweler Innocenzo Mangani.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Messina and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Messina and surroundings
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Reference information
Art galleries in Messina and around
♥ Art museum 'Museo Regionale' Messina, 2.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia' Reggio Calabria, 12.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Museo Regionale' Messina, 2.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia' Reggio Calabria, 12.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
Cathedrals and basilicas near Messina
♥ Basilica-Santuario del Sacro Cuore di Gesù e di S. Antonio, Messina, 1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilica Cattedrale di Maria SS. Assunta in Cielo, Reggio di Calabria, 12.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilica della Madre della Consolazione, Reggio di Calabria, 13.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Concattedrale di S. Maria Assunta, Santa Lucia del Mela, 24.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilica di S. Sebastiano, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, 29.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilica della Madonna dei Poveri, Seminara, 31.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilica di S. Giovanni Paolo II, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, 32.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilica-Santuario del Sacro Cuore di Gesù e di S. Antonio, Messina, 1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilica Cattedrale di Maria SS. Assunta in Cielo, Reggio di Calabria, 12.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilica della Madre della Consolazione, Reggio di Calabria, 13.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Concattedrale di S. Maria Assunta, Santa Lucia del Mela, 24.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilica di S. Sebastiano, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, 29.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilica della Madonna dei Poveri, Seminara, 31.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilica di S. Giovanni Paolo II, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, 32.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
Photogallery of cultural heritage of Messina
Landmarks of culture on Messina map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc
Culture guide to Messina. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Messina: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Messina. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!