Audio Guide of Messina Cathedral

The Cathedral is usually open every day from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, while the Bell Tower has more limited hours (generally from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM). I recommend checking the latest details on the official website of the monumental complex before your visit.

Access to the main nave of the Cathedral is free. However, to climb the Bell Tower and visit the Treasury, there is a combined ticket that costs around €4 to €6, an investment that is totally worth it for the panoramic views and historical treasures.

For a complete visit including the interior, the Treasury and the climb up the Bell Tower, I suggest setting aside between 60 and 90 minutes. If you only want to see the church and the clock show from outside, 45 minutes will be enough.

It is a symbol of Norman resilience; it has been rebuilt after the devastating 1908 earthquake and the bombings of World War II. Its interior houses the second largest organ in Italy and royal tombs that tell the story of Sicily.

Without a doubt, you must be in Piazza Duomo at 12:00 noon. At that hour, the astronomical clock of the bell tower offers a mechanical show that is unique in the world, with golden figures in motion and the roar of a lion.

The main nave of the Cathedral is accessible via ramps located at the side entrance. Unfortunately, access to the Bell Tower is exclusively by stairs, so it is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Right in the same square you will find the impressive Fountain of Orion, a 16th-century masterpiece. In addition, you are just a few steps from the harbor, perfect for a seaside walk after your cultural visit.

Arrive at the square at least 15 minutes before noon to get a good spot in front of the bell tower, as it gets crowded. Don't forget to use an audio guide to understand the complex symbolism of each figure on the astronomical clock.