The Greek theatre (Teatro Greco) and Mount Etna, Taormina, Sicily; The Greek theatre with smoking Mount Etna volcano in the background, Taormina, Sicily, Italy

© Frans Sellies / Getty

Messina

Underrated Messina sits on a curved harbour at the northernmost point of Sicily's Ionian Coast, a few kilometres from the Italian mainland. A major transport hub for centuries, it remains an important gateway to and from the island.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare

    Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare

    Messina

    Messina's redeveloped regional museum is one of Sicily's lesser-known highlights, with an extensive collection of fascinating art and archaeology. Its…

  • Piazza del Duomo

    Piazza del Duomo

    Messina

    Piazza del Duomo is home to Messina's cathedral and its curious campanile (bell tower). Soaring 60m into the sky, the tower incorporates an astronomical…

  • Duomo di Messina

    Duomo di Messina

    Messina

    Messina's one great sight is the Norman Duomo (or at least a faithful replica of it). One of Sicily's finest cathedrals, its treasures include an…

  • Fontana del Nettuno

    Fontana del Nettuno

    Messina

    Located where Via Garibaldi spills into Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, the 16th-century Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune's Fountain) is one of Messina's great…

  • Fontana di Orione

    Fontana di Orione

    Messina

    The pale marble Fontana di Orione (1553) depicts a lounging Orion, the mythical founder of Messina. The fountain was constructed by Giovanni Angelo…

  • Madonna della Lettera

    Madonna della Lettera

    Messina

    Guarding Messina's harbour is the soaring golden statue of the Madonna della Lettera. A good spot to admire it and the harbour is from the seafront…

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