Using a single ticket on our tour for 24 hours you can discover beautiful Messina. You will see all the main squares of this ancient port city, majestic buildings, museums, monuments and fountains. One ticket includes two routes: Route A and Route B.
Highlights of the tour
You will hear the sad stories of the past and admire this city that survived many disasters throughout its history. Now Messina looks so beautiful as if all the sad events happening with city were a fairytale. Many magnificent buildings, palaces, museums, squares are waiting for you in this city.
At any stop you like, You can exit and continue your bus tour afterwards at any stop you like enjoying the city. You are limited only by time – the ticket is valid for 24 hours.
Description
Throughout its history this Sicilian city has experienced several devastating earthquakes, tsunami, suffered from the bombing in 1943. But today looking at the city you can hardly say that Messina was in ruins half of the last century. There are many newly rebuilt and restored buildings; today Messina is a great beautiful city with quarters and neighborhoods literally swarming ashore Sicilian Strait of Messina – the same strait which was defended by monstrous Scylla and Charybdis in ancient times.
Begin your exploration with the Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo). It is located in the heart of the city. Here you can climb the bell tower at the Cathedral at noon or hear how the bell beat and enjoy the spectacle of animated parade of bronze figures (the meaning of each figure is described in the booklet). Once visiting here you also have the opportunity to see the world’s largest astronomical clock. A beautiful fountain decorates the area as well.
Messina Cathedral (Duomo di Messina) built in the Norman style is considered to be the most attractive one in the whole Sicily. The cathedral was consecrated in 1197, has experienced several austere fires, was heavily damaged in the 1908 during the earthquake and later rebuilt. Admire the three main entrances made in the Gothic style and the facade the hallmarks of which are marble decorations and reliefs of the XIV century depicting scenes from everyday life at that times. The majestic Cathedral of Cristo Re also deserves your visit. It has a domed spire of amazing beauty and yellow stone walls.
At the entrance to the Sicilian port of Messina you will meet a statue of the Madonna della Lettera – the saint patron of the city. There is a plate In the hands of the Madonna saying ” God bless you and your city. ”
Make a halt, go for a leisure walk along the Via Garibaldi – the main street of the city. Stop to have a look at Vittorio Emanuele Theatre (Teatro Vittorio Emanuele) striking with its beauty. This theater was opened in 1852 and survived the earthquake of 1908 (nonetheless was badly damaged). Delight with the Neptune Fountain – the symbol of the unification of Italy. Statue of Neptune and Scylla are copies from the XIX century, but if you will decide to visit the Regional Museum you will have the opportunity to see the originals.
The former silk weaving factory is another sight of interest of Messina. Nowadays its building hosts Peloritano museum which holds many works of art salvaged from the palaces and churches destroyed by the earthquake and war. The museum has a collection of archeological artifacts, jewelry, arts and crafts related to the Medieval, the Renaissance and the later periods.
Throughout its history this Sicilian city has experienced several devastating earthquakes, tsunami, suffered from the bombing in 1943. But today looking at the city you can hardly say that Messina was in ruins half of the last century. There are many newly rebuilt and restored buildings; today Messina is a great beautiful city with quarters and neighborhoods literally swarming ashore Sicilian Strait of Messina – the same strait which was defended by monstrous Scylla and Charybdis in ancient times.
Begin your exploration with the Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo). It is located in the heart of the city. Here you can climb the bell tower at the Cathedral at noon or hear how the bell beat and enjoy the spectacle of animated parade of bronze figures (the meaning of each figure is described in the booklet). Once visiting here you also have the opportunity to see the world’s largest astronomical clock. A beautiful fountain decorates the area as well.
Messina Cathedral (Duomo di Messina) built in the Norman style is considered to be the most attractive one in the whole Sicily. The cathedral was consecrated in 1197, has experienced several austere fires, was heavily damaged in the 1908 during the earthquake and later rebuilt. Admire the three main entrances made in the Gothic style and the facade the hallmarks of which are marble decorations and reliefs of the XIV century depicting scenes from everyday life at that times. The majestic Cathedral of Cristo Re also deserves your visit. It has a domed spire of amazing beauty and yellow stone walls.
At the entrance to the Sicilian port of Messina you will meet a statue of the Madonna della Lettera – the saint patron of the city. There is a plate In the hands of the Madonna saying ” God bless you and your city. ”
Make a halt, go for a leisure walk along the Via Garibaldi – the main street of the city. Stop to have a look at Vittorio Emanuele Theatre (Teatro Vittorio Emanuele) striking with its beauty. This theater was opened in 1852 and survived the earthquake of 1908 (nonetheless was badly damaged). Delight with the Neptune Fountain – the symbol of the unification of Italy. Statue of Neptune and Scylla are copies from the XIX century, but if you will decide to visit the Regional Museum you will have the opportunity to see the originals.
The former silk weaving factory is another sight of interest of Messina. Nowadays its building hosts Peloritano museum which holds many works of art salvaged from the palaces and churches destroyed by the earthquake and war. The museum has a collection of archeological artifacts, jewelry, arts and crafts related to the Medieval, the Renaissance and the later periods.
Travel through Messina in your own rhythm. Your ticket allows you to travel around the city on our bus during the whole day listening to the audio guide and discovering the pages of history. At the same time you always have the opportunity to go wherever you like, just to have a leisurely stroll and take pictures of the city.
If you’re a little tired from the busy streets you will have the opportunity to relax in the lap of nature away from the busy city life in Laghi di Gantsirri. The Botanical Garden, Institute of Marine Biology and renowned University of Messina are among the must-see places of Messina. The city is rapidly growing and developing. The city also has an aquarium with 60 varieties of Mediterranean fish as well as the Museum of marine life.
Messina lives an active life – various exhibitions and trade fairs are regularly held there. Free concerts of jazz and classical music are frequently held in the Cathedral Square during the summer.
Messina offers a variety of pubs, bars, cafes and night clubs for the night-life lovers. The city has a places where you can have fun and enjoy your time not only during the day but also at night.
ATTENTION:
You have the opportunity to listen to a tour in various languages, including Italian, English, Spanish, German, French and Russian.
You will be given special equipment with pre-recorded tour in the desired language. Recording can be stopped, slowed down and speeded up what is very convenient for use.
City Tour is available the whole year.
A single ticket is valid for 24 hours. This means that you can have a closer look at your favourite locations, visit museums, make some sightseeing and then continue the way when you want within the time specified on the ticket.
Departure time:
Beginning of the first tour of route A: 09:00 am
Beginning of the first tour of route B: 09:30 am
Sightseeing buses run at an interval of 60 minutes.
Duration:
Route A – 50 minutes.
Route B – 90 minutes.
Seasonality:
Year-round.
Starting point:
Stop #1
