Duomo di Messina
Duomo di Messina
4.5
About
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.
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Best nearby
Restaurants
538 within 3 miles
Attractions
180 within 6 miles
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- emanuele gThe Hague, The Netherlands112 contributionsMoving figurinesI remember the Duomo of Messina with a mix of outrage and delight; outrage because when I was a kid I was sort of forced to go and see the Rooster and all the figurines moving, which I could not care a bit. Delight, because, now in my adult life, I can appreciate more the art, design and ingenuity of the moving parts of this iconic place in Messina. Definitively, worth stopping by at noon, take you place at the square and enjoy the showVisited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 4, 2023
- ccc2698Marlboro, New York75 contributionsIt was easy to findOf course, I visited in the hottest summer 100° and 90% humidity. I arrived on cruise ship and found the port very easy to navigate. I made it over to the clocktower Duomo di Messina early and checked it out then. Then climbed several hills for sightseeing and to see churches. Surprised 2 out of three charged for entry (were not worth it). Returned for the noon production of the clock tower and free entry to the church. It starts out with the lovely Ave Maria and goes on an off for 15 mon. making it hard to video. So hot hard to appreciate it.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 27, 2023
- CMBarbie357 contributionsMust see in MessinaThe cathedral was the highlight of our Messina walking tour. The astronomical clock show with roaring lion was a surprise compared to other clocks I have seen in Europe. There is a small museum inside that is worth seeing also, for 5 euro fee.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 20, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,278 reviews
Excellent
800
Very good
383
Average
83
Poor
7
Terrible
5
Barheat
Hamilton, Canada1,755 contributions
Nov 2022
The Duomo was rebuilt in the Norman style after the earthquake of 1907. It is quite impressing inside with the wooden beam ceiling. There are three altars, the central and one on each side. Along the walls are statues of the saints.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ccc2698
Marlboro, NY75 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Of course, I visited in the hottest summer 100° and 90% humidity.
I arrived on cruise ship and found the port very easy to navigate. I made it over to the clocktower Duomo di Messina early and checked it out then. Then climbed several hills for sightseeing and to see churches. Surprised 2 out of three charged for entry (were not worth it). Returned for the noon production of the clock tower and free entry to the church. It starts out with the lovely Ave Maria and goes on an off for 15 mon. making it hard to video. So hot hard to appreciate it.
I arrived on cruise ship and found the port very easy to navigate. I made it over to the clocktower Duomo di Messina early and checked it out then. Then climbed several hills for sightseeing and to see churches. Surprised 2 out of three charged for entry (were not worth it). Returned for the noon production of the clock tower and free entry to the church. It starts out with the lovely Ave Maria and goes on an off for 15 mon. making it hard to video. So hot hard to appreciate it.
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele Amico🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹
Caltanissetta, Italy2,871 contributions
Sep 2019 • Business
The third biggest city of Sicily is Messina, in the Northeast side of the island. A lot of attractions, but the Cathedral with the astronomical watch is the top.
Written September 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roozoo
Rotherfield, UK237 contributions
May 2011 • Couples
This 800 year old cathedral is breathtaking inside and out. From the hand carved stone details gracing the entrance to the hand painted rafters in the inside ... the craftsmanship which went into creating this beautiful place of worship was done out of an act of love and skill. You do not want to rush your time walking through this amazing cathedral.
Suggest you wear soft sole shoes (as the church flooring echos with every tap of a foot). This is a place of quiet and worship, if you can keep from being distracted by the all the beautiful details that surround you in here.
We did our best to keep our voices down, but we were so over taken by the beauty of the details of the alters, roof, and tile work we kept forgetting ourselves, fortunately we were there at a time when there were hardly anyone there, but we did get some looks by clergy - so courtesy/respect is always best observed.
There are only a few steps to get up to the entrance doors and the rest is flat, but I believe there are ramp for those with wheelchairs / strollers.
Suggest you wear soft sole shoes (as the church flooring echos with every tap of a foot). This is a place of quiet and worship, if you can keep from being distracted by the all the beautiful details that surround you in here.
We did our best to keep our voices down, but we were so over taken by the beauty of the details of the alters, roof, and tile work we kept forgetting ourselves, fortunately we were there at a time when there were hardly anyone there, but we did get some looks by clergy - so courtesy/respect is always best observed.
There are only a few steps to get up to the entrance doors and the rest is flat, but I believe there are ramp for those with wheelchairs / strollers.
Written July 17, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cath038
Glasgow, UK29 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
We spent a day in Messina during a cruise. The clock is amazing but not only to see from the ground. For 4 euros, you can climb up the steps to the top of the tower and see the workings of this fabulous piece of engineering. It is an easy climb as you do it in stages. Each set of steps lead onto a landing where you can spend time reading about the clock and the explanation of the figures. These figures and scenes move with the times of the year. Easter, Christmas etc are all included so that if you visit at different times of the year, and view the clock from the outside, you will see different things. Should you climb the tower, you will see everything at the same time as the scenes and figures not on show can been seen from the landings. I could have stayed in the tower for hours. There is an exit at the top so that you can walk around and admire the views from all angles.
Written June 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan R
Murrieta, CA334 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
This church is beautiful. It is very big inside and you can see the huge organ, the statues of saints that line the side isles, and the gorgeous alter. It is located in the same plaza as the fountain and the clock tower, so seeing all three makes for something nice to do while in port. There are many vendors outside the church selling scarfs and other items, and there are a few restaurants there as well. If you are in port and have no definite plans, then check it out. You won't be disappointed,
Written July 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steph H
Bristol, UK42 contributions
Oct 2019
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.
Written November 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BelleNovaScotia
Nova Scotia, Canada110 contributions
Oct 2019
We walked to this church from the cruise port. For 4 euros, you can enter and climb up the clock tower and see the inner workings of the clock. Plan to be back outside before noon as the noon time show is like no other I've ever seen. The lion roars, the rooster crows three times (symbolic of Peter's denial of knowing Christ?), and lots of other movement.
Written October 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonard N
51 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
The church is amazing! I’ve been all over Europe and seen many churches but this one is simple and stunning at the same time. The alter and ceiling paintings are beautiful! I felt close to God here and feel very blessed for the opportunity to be here. Please stop in, make an offering and enjoy the church!
Written June 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pezerella
Manama, Bahrain86 contributions
Jun 2017
Easy to find , located in the center of the city of Messina. Near the port. There are beautiful sculptures outside the tower before you enter
Written June 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnorkelGirl07
ohio211 contributions
Does anyone know the hours the church is open for visitors?
Visitreggiocalabria
Reggio Calabria, Italy82 contributions
OPENING TIME
7.30-12.30 / 16.00-19.30 every day
MESSAGE TIMES
weekdays: 7.30am, 6.00pm
Sundays and religious holidays: 9.00, 11.00, 12.15, 18.00
Day 24/12 Christmas vigil at 11:30 pm. Day 25/12 Masses 9.00, 11.00, 12.30, 18.00
SERVICES
Audio guide Cathedral € 3.00
Guided tours by reservation for groups, in ITALIAN, ENGLISH, FRENCH, SPANISH
Wiltonjam
London, UK3 contributions
I am visiting the Cathedral on Sunday 1st November 2015 would be grateful to know the mass times please?
Theresa Z
Chapel Hill, NC1 contribution
I am taking a cruise and one stop is Messina. What are the nearest tourist attractions to the port/dock? How near is this to the port/dock? Thanks.
Eryn D
Georgia15 contributions
Hi, I am looking at potentially doing this during my upcoming trip to Mykonos!
I am not an avid bike rider and was curious what kind of bikes you have? More specifically, are the seats small/hard like cycling seats or are they a little larger/more cushion like mountain bike seats? My bum is slightly concerned.
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