PracticalClosed Saturdays, Sundays
City tourist information point
The city council's info point beside the town hall, a minute from the quay, for maps and transport times. Opening is mainly weekday mornings, so check locally.
Sights
Sacrario di Cristo Re
A domed church and war memorial on the hill above the centre. The terrace gives the best free view over the harbour and across the strait to Calabria. It is an uphill walk of about 20 minutes.
From the ship
| Terminal | One way | How |
|---|---|---|
| Colapesce, Vespri and I Settembre quays (Messina cruise terminal) | 11 min | walk |
Times are estimates. Allow extra on busy days and for tender queues.
Nearby
Sights
Fountain of Orion
A 16th-century marble fountain in Piazza Duomo honouring Orion, the city's mythical founder, with river gods around its basin.
Sights
Bell tower and astronomical clock
The cathedral's bell tower holds one of the largest mechanical clocks anywhere. At noon its gilded figures move, a lion roars and a cockerel crows; tower visits are by ticket and times vary.