Location: Province of Messina
Top Things to do in Province of Messina
What to do and see in Province of Messina, Sicily: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Messina (Italian: Provincia di Messina; Sicilian: Pruvincia di Missina) was a province in the autonomous island region of Sicily in Italy. Its capital was the city of Messina. It was replaced by the Metropolitan City of Messina.
Restaurants in Province of Messina
1. Monte della Madonna
2. Ancient Theatre of Taormina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,605 reviews
The view of Mount Etna and the sea beyond is absolutely superb at Taormina's 10,000-seat ancient Greek amphitheater, which was erected in the third century BC and expanded by the Romans.
Reviewed By ryanfL7429GJ
This theater and its location are stunning -- I'm surprised this isn't a more widely known attraction in Italy or even all of Europe. The history here (both Greek and Roman) and the spectacular beauty and setting of this coastal town (with an active volcano steaming in the background) make this a MUST when visiting Sicily.
3. Duomo di Messina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,240 reviews
This Cathedral, a fine example of Sicilian Norman architecture, has retained its original medieval lines even after a long history: built under Roger II, consecrated in 1197, destroyed in the 1908 earthquake and rebuilt.
Reviewed By Adventure_Steph_H - Bristol, United Kingdom
We visited Messina on a rainy day which meant that there were not very many people about. The clock tower is a beautiful structure and parts of it move as it chimes on the hour. Inside the cathedral the striking feature are the wooden beams across the ceiling with beautiful detailing on them. Its definitely worth a visit whilst in Messina although when we visited we had to split it into two parts as when we first visited at about lunchtime they closed the cathedral but were able to return later in the afternoon.
4. Statua di Teocles
5. Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tindari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,050 reviews
Legend has it that the Black Madonna statue fished out of the sea has healing powers; a visit to this picturesque church just may prove it to you.
Reviewed By SallyF906 - Northampton, United Kingdom
You can see the basilica on the top of the hill from miles around and it's well worth stopping off for a visit. You can't drive up into the town so you have to park in a large car park at the bottom of the hill and take a bus up to the top. Make sure you check the current opening times for the basilica and allow time to queue for a ticket and catch the bus although these do come frequently. According to tradition, in C9th fishermen discovered a crate with the statue of the black Madonna inside. They put her in the abandoned ruins of the temple of Ceres and a sanctuary was built in C11th by the Benedictines. The shrine became and important place of pilgrimage and was unable to cope with the number of visitors so was rebuilt in 1970s. The Madonna is made of cedar of Lebanon and is Byzantine - it is on display under the dome and is quite beautiful. The church has a beautiful fresco on the ceiling and lots of artwork that stands out against the dark stone. Also make sure you walk behind the altar where you can see the history of the statue in mosaics which are stunning. Definitely worth a visit.
6. Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,439 reviews
Reviewed By stewartc640 - Chatham, United Kingdom
We passed the Messina cathedral Bell tower whilst on a one day stopover in Messina. We were doing a self-guided walking tour armed with a fairly basic tourist map and had just arrived in the port. The bell tower and its associated cathedral sits in the reasonably spacious ‘Piazza del Duomo di Messina’ just inland from where the cruise ship docked. It is known for its animation occurring when the clock strikes particularly at 12 noon. Unfortunately, this is the time our ship docked so we missed what we have been told is quite a sight. We did get to see a shorter animation at one o’clock though. The bell tower is separate from the cathedral, and had ‘golden’ statues on various levels as well as other parts of the animation. The Piazza is quite busy and there are many sightseeing tours for tourists departing from here either on busses or ‘Dotto’ trains. There are also some souvenir shops and street traders here where tourists can buy mementoes of their visit to Messina, we tend to purchase porcelain thimbles on our travels and these were available here too.
7. Corso Umberto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,548 reviews
Reviewed By loua1601 - Wollongong, Australia
We have 9 days in Taormina and strolled along Corso Umberto on our first day. This street is exactly what you would expect from an Italian town as soon as you walk through Messina Gate. Lots of shops, cafes and restaurants with some beautiful buildings, churches, narrow side lanes and a spectacular view of the ocean when you get to the other end. A great way to spend a couple of days trying the different cafes and restaurants. Enjoy!
8. Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re
9. Castello di Milazzo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 828 reviews
Reviewed By alexiaioana00 - Bucharest, Romania
Milazzo was the city we stayed in for 7 days during our visit in Sicily. One day we decided it was time to visit Milazzo too, although we first thought it's a small town without any important attractions. We found in our bookguide of Sicily this Castle, situated in the tip of the "peninsula" said "why not?". We entered the front yard, where the ticket-office was and I went and asked for 3 adult tickets, as I am not a kid anymore, according to usual ticket offices. An old man (around 60 years old) greeted me, asked for my age and than said I would enter for free because I am a good girl:) He then said : come with me, in Italian of course. We don't know Italian and he didn't know english but despite this he started talking & talking in Italian. He took us to all the "private" places where normal tourists can't go. He than told us he is the manager of the castle and loves to do that. He took me by my hand and we walked in the yard for sometime and he was telling us the story of the castle which once was a fortress. Even if I'm not an Italian speaker, with my Spanish little knowledges, I managed to understand more than a half. We wouldn't ever imagine a manager of a castle would privately make us a tour, just because he liked us when he saw us. It was a thrilling experience which I think, I won't forget. Take a look at the breathtaking view and at a picture of me and him:) I must say the design and the rehabilitation of this old castle full of history are incredible and very very very well conserved and despite his awesome skills of guide, the manager did the best job here:) with the building of course! That's why I love Italy, Italians and their food and places. Everything is made with love and dedication. Everything!
10. Borgo Medievale
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