Today we will share our Guide On What To Do At Messina Cruise Port. Messina is a city and the capital of the Metropolitan City of Messina, on the northeastern coast of Sicily, Italy. It’s the largest city in Sicily, after Palermo and Catan. And is located at the eastern end of the Strait of Messina, which separates Sicily from the Italian mainland.
Messina has a long and rich history. It was founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC and has been ruled by a number of different empires over the centuries, including the Roman, the Arab, the Norman, and the Spanish Empires. Over the years, Messina has acted as an important port, due to being a gateway to mainland Italy as well as the Mediterranean Sea. The city has been destroyed by earthquakes on a number of occasions, but it has always been rebuilt.
Today, Messina is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. It is home to several universities and an important trade and commerce centre. The city is also a popular tourist destination, thanks to its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and lively nightlife.
What To Do At Messina Cruise Port
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Messina Sicily?
Cruise ships typically dock at the Port of Messina in the city’s heart. The port is well-equipped to handle large vessels and offers a range of facilities and services for cruise passengers, including transportation, tours, and shopping. However, it doesn’t have a terminal building. From the cruise terminal, it’s easy to explore Messina and its surrounding areas, including the famous Taormina and Mount Etna.
Is Messina Walkable From The Cruise Port?
Messina is walkable from the cruise port, located in the city’s heart. It is about a 10-15 minute walk to the central Piazza del Duomo, where you can find the Cathedral of Messina and the famous astronomical clock tower. Plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants are also along the way. However, if you prefer not to walk, taxis are also available at the port.
What To Do Near Messina Cruise Port
Does Messina Have A Beach?
While Messina is a port city in Sicily, it does have some nearby beaches that can be reached by car or public transportation.
Some popular beaches near Messina Cruise Port include…
- Capo Peloro Beach
- Mortelle Beach
- Spadafora Beach
However, it is important to note that these beaches are not within walking distance of the cruise port, and visitors would need to book a trip or arrange transportation to reach them.
Piazza del Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo is the main square in Messina. It is a beautiful square that is surrounded by historic buildings.
It is a vibrant hub filled with historic buildings, including the iconic Elephant Fountain, and is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes. The square serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors, offering a glimpse into the rich history and lively atmosphere of Messina.
Fountains In Messina
The Fountain Of Orion
The Fountain of Orion is a 16th-century fountain in the Piazza del Duomo in Messina, Sicily, Italy. It was designed by the Florentine sculptor Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, a student of Michelangelo, and was completed in 1553. The fountain is dedicated to Orion, a mythical giant hunter who was said to have founded the city of Messina.
The fountain is made of white Carrara marble and is composed of a central pyramid-shaped basin supported by four dolphins. On top of the basin is a statue of Orion, who is depicted as a muscular young man with a bow and arrow. At the base of the fountain are four additional statues, each representing a different river: the Tiber, the Nile, the Ebro, and the Camaro.
The Fountain of Orion is one of the most important landmarks in Messina and is a popular tourist destination. It is also a symbol of the city’s history and culture.
Neptune Fountain
The Neptune Fountain is a 16th-century fountain in the Piazza Unità d’Italia in Messina, Sicily, Italy. It was designed by the Florentine sculptor Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, a student of Michelangelo, and was completed in 1557. The fountain is dedicated to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.
The fountain is made of white Carrara marble and is composed of a central basin supported by four seahorses. On top of the basin is a statue of Neptune, who is depicted as a muscular man with a trident. At the base of the fountain are four additional statues, each representing a different river: the Arno, the Tiber, the Po, and the Simeto.
The Neptune Fountain is one of the most important landmarks in Messina and is a popular tourist destination. It is also a symbol of the city’s history and culture.
Churches and Museums Near Messina Cruise Port
Messina is home to a number of interesting churches and museums that are worth exploring. One of the most prominent churches is the Cathedral of Messina, also known as the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.
Messina’s cathedral, like many other buildings in the city, was heavily damaged during World War II bombings and a devastating earthquake that hit in 1908. After the war, there was a strong desire to rebuild and restore the historical and cultural landmarks that were destroyed.
The Annunziata Church
The Annunziata Church is a 16th-century church that is known for its beautiful frescoes.
The church features an impressive façade with intricate stonework, sculptures, and a bell tower. Inside, visitors can admire the richly decorated altars, beautiful frescoes, and intricate details throughout the building.
Temple of Christ the King
The Temple of Christ the King is a Catholic church located in Messina, Sicily, Italy. It was built between 1960 and 1973 on a hill overlooking the city, and is visible from almost everywhere in Messina. The church is notable for its modern architectural style, as well as its panoramic views of the city and the Strait of Messina.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III For Messina Cruise Port Shopping
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III is a historic shopping arcade located in the centre of Messina, Italy. It was built in the early 20th century and is named after King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. The arcade is known for its elegant and ornate architecture, featuring Art Nouveau and Art Deco design elements.
Thus is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and taking in the sights of the city. The arcade also serves as a cultural and historical landmark, showcasing the city’s rich history and artistic heritage.
The Godfather Movie Tour
The Godfather Movie Tour in Sicily takes visitors on a journey through the locations used in the filming of the iconic Godfather movie trilogy. The tour includes stops at locations such as the Bar Vitelli in Savoca, the Church of Santa Lucia in Forza d’Agrò, and the famous town of Corleone. Visitors can also see the home of Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, in the town of Forza d’Agrò.
Check Out Sicilian Cuisine In And Around Messina Cruise Port
Sicilian cuisine is the cuisine of the Italian island of Sicily. It is a fusion of the island’s historical influences, including Greek, Arab, Spanish, and French, and features an abundance of fresh seafood, pasta dishes, vegetables, fruits, cheese and nuts. Some of the most well-known Sicilian dishes include pasta alla norma, caponata, arancini, and cannoli. Local wines such as Marsala and Nero d’Avola also play an important role in Sicilian cuisine.
The Strait of Messina
The Strait of Messina is a narrow waterway that separates the island of Sicily from mainland Italy. It is a popular spot for boat trips, as you can get stunning views of both Sicily and Calabria. You can also see the famous Faraglioni rocks, which are three large limestone stacks that rise out of the water.
Astronomical Clock of the Cathedral of Messina
The Astronomical Clock of the Cathedral of Messina is a mechanical and astronomical clock located in the campanile of the cathedral in Messina. It was constructed by the Ungerer Company of Strasbourg in 1933. And is thought to be one of the largest and most complex astronomical clocks in the world.
The clock is made up of several different components, including a sundial, a lunar dial, a planetarium, plus a perpetual calendar. It also features a number of moving parts, including a lion, a cock, and a carousel of saints.
Travellers can enjoy watching clock go off every day at noon. When it performs a complex series of movements and animations. The lion roars, the saints move, the cockerel crows and the planets rotate. The clock also displays the time, date, day of the week, month, and year.
The Astronomical Clock of the Cathedral of Messina. As such is a popular tourist attraction, thus considered to be one of the most important works of art in Messina and one not to miss.
Visit Taormina
Taormina is a charming hilltop town located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It’s known for its picturesque views of the sea and Mount Etna, as well as its ancient Greek theater, which dates back to the third century BC. The town is also famous for its beautiful beaches, such as Isola Bella, as well as its charming narrow streets and elegant buildings.
Although Taormina is around 45 minutes from Messina Cruise port by car or bus. However, there is a bus just outside the cruise port of you could book a taxi or excursion.
Visit Mount Etna
Mount Etna is an active volcano located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It is the tallest and most active volcano in Europe, standing at a height of over 3 km. Tourists can take guided hikes up to the summit to see the crater and enjoy some sightseeing of the surrounding countryside.
There are also cable car rides and jeep tours available for visitors who prefer not to hike. Mount Etna is 1 hour and 45 minutes from the port so this is something I would only do as part of a tour to avoid missing the ship.
Museums In Messina
- Regional Museum of Messina is home to a collection of archeological artifacts, art and decorative arts.
- The Museo Tesoro del Duomo (Cathedral Treasure Museum) has an impressive collection of religious art and artefacts
- Galleria d’Arte Contemporanea di Messina (Contemporary Art Gallery of Messina) houses a collection of works by contemporary artists from Italy and beyond.
Cruising Italy Soon?
Check out our cruise port guides its packed with hints and tips, with lots of Mediterranean ports such as Naples, Bilbao, Vigo, Corfu and more.
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