Things to do near Country of Messina Italy – what to see attractions and activities

Messina - Churches and places of worship

Duomo di Messina

Messina - Fountains

Fontana del Nettuno

The fountain of Neptune of Messina was built in 1557, by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli. Initially, the fountain was placed in front of the Palace on the docks of the port. God Neptune with his shoulders facing the sea, symbolizes the blessing of the city of Messina. Today, the fountain has been positioned north and rotated with the front of the sea, changing symbology.

Messina - Monuments

Madonnina del Porto

Our Lady of the Port is located at the entrance to the Port of Messina, on the tower of Fort San Salvatore erected in 1546. The monument is 35 meters high and was built by engineer Francesco Barbaro. The Statue of the Madonna is a symbol of the city of Messina.

Messina - Museums

Museo Regionale

The Regional Museum of Messina was established in 1806 with the aim of enhancing Sacred Art, through the paintings dating from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century. Among the sacred furnishings are exhibited, a gradual unpublished in 1481 work by a Dalmatic friar, coming from the church of Santa Maria di Gesù, the paliotto called the Ciambretta of the 17th century embroidered with threads of gold and silver, beads, the style cross of the 17th century and the Immaculate Conception in silver foil.

Messina - Cemeteries

Cimitero Monumentale Gran Camposanto

Messina - Theaters

Teatro Vittorio Emanuele II

Built in 1842, it was originally called St. Elizabeth Theatre. Following the earthquake of 1908 it was completely rebuilt. The entrance porch with three arches is very charming thanks to the marble sculpture depicting the time.

Messina - Churches and places of worship

Basilica Cattedrale Protometropolitana

Of Byzantine origin, the current basilica was rebuilt in the late twelfth century. Wonderful is the organ that is located inside. Another characteristic element is the tower that has the largest mechanical clock in the world.

Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Governo

The palace is a recent construction in the architecture of the city. We can note the elements of the post-floral style that the architect C. Bazzani used. The palace is located in the area where once stood a famous church of the '500 of which, today, only the beautiful Tribune remains, positioned on the back. Once you enter, you can see a large atrium decorated with columns, with a majestic staircase leading to the upper floors.

Milazzo - Museums

MuMa Museo del Mare Milazzo

El "MuMa Museo del Mare Milazzo", situado en el antiguo Castillo de Milazzo, es un museo único, un viaje espiritual para redescubrir la armonía entre el hombre y el mar a través de la ciencia y el arte. Se ocupa de la protección del medio ambiente y la educación, con un mensaje dirigido a concienciar, especialmente a los jóvenes, sobre la protección y preservación del mar. MuMa nació de la conmovedora y trágica historia de un cachalote, rebautizado "Siso", que en el verano de 2017 encontró la muerte frente a las Islas Eolias debido a una red de pesca ilegal y al plástico que había ingerido. Tras la extraordinaria recuperación de los huesos y la reconstrucción del esqueleto llevada a cabo por el biólogo Carmelo Isgrò, nació la idea de crear el museo, que tiene como centro el majestuoso esqueleto del cachalote Siso suspendido en el aire por cables, junto con la red ilegal que lo mató y el plástico que se encontró en su vientre. El MuMa no es el clásico Museo del Mar, sino un lugar donde la Ciencia se encuentra con el Arte en sus más amplias facetas. Los visitantes experimentarán el conocimiento gracias a vídeos didácticos interactivos, experiencias de realidad virtual, realidad aumentada e instalaciones artísticas multimedia que les llevarán a tomar conciencia de los impactos antrópicos sobre el medio ambiente para un cambio necesario en la relación hombre-mar.

Messina - Parks and nature reserves

Orto Botanico Messina

The Garden of Messina was established in 1638 by Pietro Castelli. The vegetable garden is owned by the University of Messina. It was “demolished” in 1678 following the anti-Spanish uprising, and then rebuilt only in 1889. Today, the botanical garden houses several tree species from all over the world.

Milazzo - Museums

Museo della Tonnara

The Museo della Tonnara exhibits ancient objects from the local marineria of Milazzo. The screening of the film by Tonnara del Tono in its last years of activity is often organized.

Filicudi - Natural Areas

Fossa Felci

On the ten square miles of territory of Filicudi graced seven volcanoes, all be off, the main one is Fossa Ferns, 773 meters high. You can reach it by foot along the old mule tracks and through abandoned villages. Enjoy the beauty of the Sicilian sea from the top and a bit of hard work is definitly worth.

Taormina - Museums

Fondazione Mazzullo

The palace is asserting itself in the Sicilian architecture of the fifteenth century, evidence of an architectural culture combines Arabic, Normans and Aragonese values. Since the '80s, the Palace houses the works of the sculptor Giuseppe Mazzullo.

Taormina - Museums

Museo Archeologico Regionale

Housed in the Old Abbey, it contains archaeological finds brought to light in recent times. The exhibition is divided on two floors and includes ancient objects: sculptures, ceramics and a Byzantine sword found in the depths of Isola Bella.

Taormina - Museums

Il Museo Siciliano di arti e Tradizioni Popolari di Taormina

The museum exposes finds of figurative art and craft of the Sicilians from the XVI to the XX century, handmade items and artifacts, a precious witness of life and popular culture of Sicily.

Milazzo - Museums

Museo Enologico "Grasso"

The “Grasso” Wine Museum is located in the Grasso Winery, which was founded in 1887 and is handed down from father to son. It is a permanent exhibition, in which visitors can observe how wine is produced, in all its phases. In addition, you can also see the vineyards, the cellar and taste the new wine. It is a real oenological experience. The visit to the museum is free of charge.

Messina - Museums

Museo Tesoro del Duomo

The Treasure Museum of the Cathedral of Messina houses a very rich collection of precious objects of worship of the cathedral. It collects more than four hundred works dating from the twelfth to the twentieth century. The most precious object of the treasure is the “Golden Manta” created in 1668.

Messina - Museums

Museo "Cultura e Musica Popolare dei Peloritani"

The Peloritani Museum of Culture and Folk Music is located in the village Gesso, was built by the architect Antonio Virgilio, and was opened to the public in 1996. The museum exhibits Sicilian ethno-organological folk elements including: musical instruments typical of culture and agro-pastoral tradition, tambourines, zampogne and bells.

Lipari - Museums

Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano

Situated on the Acropolis in via del Castello, it exhibits a testimony of more than 5000 years of civilization of the island and of the archipelago it is one of the most interesting ever. One of the most important of the Mediterranean and presents in chronological order exhibition of funerary objects, vases, stones, tombstones stems and stone sarcophaguses, ceramics of various types and shapes, theater masks and statues.

Taormina - Monuments

Piazza Nove Aprile

Piazza IX Aprile initially known as Piazza Sant'Agostino, takes its name from the church that was located near it. In the square there are several important buildings, among them of great interest is the clock tower built in the twelfth century.

Taormina - Fountains

Fontana in Piazza Duomo

Taormina - Parks and nature reserves

Giardini della Villa Communale

The Garden of the Villa Comunale was built for the desire of Lady Florence, the mayor's wife, Prof. Salvatore Cacciola. The environment was created according to the style of the English gardens. We can find many rare plant species here. Since 1922 the Garden has moved to the municipality of Taormina. Thanks to the care of Lady Trevelyan continues to maintain her beauty.

Patti - Churches and places of worship

Santuario Madonna di Tindari

Inside is the statue of the black Madonna in cedar wood, a probable iconoclast symbol of successive centuries and of Eastern origin. This cathedral is characteristic for its location, being on a promontory overlooking the sea and above the acropolis itself. Every year, the feast dedicated to the Black Madonna is celebrated on 7 September.

Milazzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Milazzo

The Castle of Milazzo is one of the largest fortified complexes in Europe. Developed and increased in the Norman and Swabian times, today it has been declared a national monument.

Messina - Monuments

Statua di Messina

The Allegorical statue of Messina, was built in 1852, by Giuseppe Prinzi. The statue is located in the center of Largo Minitoli. Initially it was located inside the City Hall, following the restoration in 1967, it was placed on the current site. It is in white marble and in his right hand, he holds the decree by which Ferdinand II of Bourbon granted to the city of Messina Portofranco.

Messina - Fountains

Fontana di Orione

The Orion di Messina fountain has been called the most beautiful fountain of the European sixteenth century. It was built in 1553 by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, disciple of Michelangelo, on commission of the Messina Senate. The fountain is rich in refined details and symbolizes the triumph of Orion, founder of the city.

Messina - Churches and places of worship

Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re

The Shrine of Christ the King is located on Viale Principe Umberto. The building was opened in 1937. The Shrine of Christ the King has an octagonal shape with a high dome where eight bronze statues have been added and at the top of the access staircase is the statue of Christ the King by T. Calabrò.

Messina - Churches and places of worship

Santuario Maria Santissima di Loreto

The Sanctuary is located just outside the town, on a hill. The building was built during the period when King Charles V dominated in Sicily. Thanks to testimonies, it is assumed that the sanctuary was built on 28 April 1568, the date on which a hermit bought the plot of land in which the construction stands. A special feature is the presence of a black wooden statue representing the Madonna.

Lipari - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Lipari

The castle was built on a plateau that can be found on a cliff next to the sea, from archaeological research and studies of the conformation of the rock the area appears to have been inhabited for about 6000 years. This rock for the inhabitants has always represented a natural defense against attacks from the sea. The current structure was constructed in the course of the sixteenth century by Charles V as a result of a harsh attack on the city perpetrated by the Tunisian captain Kairedin Barbarossa who deported'' almost all the inhabitants.

Capo d'Orlando - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello d' Orlando ruderi

According to legend it was founded by Charlemagne, in honor of Paladin Orlando. Some documents attest to its existence in the Middle Ages. The castle kept a simulacrum by Maria SS, unfortunately stolen on the night of 11 December 1925. The following year a copy of it was reproduced in silver, to this day on display in the Sanctuary.

Brolo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Brolo

The Castle of Brolo was built at the behest of the Lancia di Brolo family. The building has a typical structure of the feudal homes of the fifteenth century. In the main entrance is the sandstone arch and the coat of arms of the Lancia family.

Lipari - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Giuseppe

The Church of San Giuseppe is 17th-century period. It is one of the oldest churches. It was built above a large structure. Some witnesses say that the crypt contains the relics of St. Bartholomew, patron saint of Lipari. The Church is located directly on the beach.

Stromboli - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Vincenzo

The church of San Vincenzo, reachable from the narrow coastal road, overlooks the typical Aeolian houses, small and pretty. From the terrace of the church of San Vincenzo you can see the Strombolicchio, in addition to the village of the island and the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea.

Lipari - Churches and places of worship

Chiostro normanno

The Normanno convent was created by the wish of King Ruggero II and also makes part of the monastery. The convent was restored in ‘78. The numerous columns from the Roman era render symbols of various animals. It is situated very close to the cathedral of San Bartolomeo.

Lipari - Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale di San Bartolomeo

The most important religious building on the island is the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew. Built in the sixteenth century is located in the central part of the island. Particularly noticeable are the interiors decorated with floral paintings.

Filicudi - Archaeological Sites

Capo Graziano

In the locality called Capo Graziano have recently been discovered the remains of a prehistoric settlement dating back to 3,000 BC It is twenty-five oval-shaped huts, in which were also found remains of pottery. Near the village, which was inhabited until 1430 BC has also been found sacrificial altar.

Patti - Archaeological Sites

Teatro Greco di Tindari

The Greek Theatre of Tindari is supposed to have been built in the 4th century BC on a slope close to the sea. The excavations that brought him back to light date back to 1842. Like all Greek theaters it has perfect acoustics. Unfortunately, in the Imperial Age the Theater was used for circus games and after suffering damage its blocks were used for the reconstruction of the walls.

Patti - Archaeological Sites

Tindari - Resti Mura di Cinta (396 a.c.)

The city walls existed only in sections not protected by the inaccessibility of the cliffs. At the beginning of the 3rd century BC, this structure consisted of a double vestment of squared blocks and with internal filling of stone. The walls were crossed by numerous drainage channels and posters.

Patti - Archaeological Sites

Zona archeologica di Tyndaris

Nestled on the highest point of Capo Tindari is an important archaeological area composed of the Greco-Roman Amphitheatre, remains of the market, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Aeolian Islands. From here you can enjoy a unique panorama overlooking the entire Gulf of Patti and the nature reserve of the salt lakes of “Marinello”.

Lipari - UNESCO sites

Isole Eolie

Year 2000, the eolian myth becomes reality.Unesco in fact fits the archipelago between the world's sites protected for their environmental and cultural features. The active volcanoes, indispensable stage in the travel world's most famous volcanologists, crystal-clear sea, uncontaminated nature, were decisive in the decision

Montalbano Elicona - Archaeological Sites

Rocche dell'Argimusco

The megalithic area of Argimusco, the Sicilian Stonehenge, seems to be one of the few places on our planet where the powerful forces of nature focus to create a magical and ancestral atmosphere.

Santa Lucia del Mela - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Santuario della Madonna della Neve

Arab-Swevian-Aragonese castle 650 meters above sea level from whose terrace in front you can admire the panorama of the Aeolian Islands. The castle contains inside the church dedicated to Our Lady of the Snow (marble sculpture by Gagini dating back to 1500).

Salina - Natural Areas

Monte Fossa delle Felci

It is the highest mountain in the archipelago with its 982 meters of height. Nature walks on the mountain are at easy level On the top of the mountain you can enjoy views of breathtaking scenery.

Salina - Natural Areas

Fondali di Salina

Starting from the spectacular Bay of Polla we find a shoal. Among the towering cliffs of the bottom there are beautiful anemones and large colonies of yellow sponges and spectacular cliffs enriched by the ramifications of the yellow gorgonians

Stromboli - Natural Areas

Secca di Scirocco

The Secca di Scirocco provides for a decidedly challenging dive. The seabed is first deep, and then retreat near the dry; here are numerous boulders and banks of fish, while the walls are covered with red, fascinating and colorful gorgonias.

Stromboli - Natural Areas

Sciara del Fuoco e Dorsale della Sciara

In Stromboli it is possible to visit the Sciara del Fuoco and the Ridge of Sciara. The first, it offers a wonderful morphological environment, with astroides, anemones, and sponges. The backdrop is black, dark, and it's easy to meet groupers, diamonds and moray eines. The walls are made of lava stone and you can see the lightning hedgehog, even if sporadically. The Sciara Ridge has two seabeds, one deeper than the other, both quite muddy and with walls covered with pentagon stars, very rare.

Salina - Natural Areas

Secca del Capo

The wall that composes Secca del Capo descends almost vertically and creates a suggestive landscape that sinks into the dark waters of the sea. It requires a challenging dive even in optimal conditions.

Lipari - Natural Areas

Punta Castagna

By visiting the Lipari islands, you can explore Punta Castagna, which yields white powder from the pumice quarries. The seabed is completely white, fitted with channels, whose walls are lined with colorful flora. In the course of the immersion, you reach levels ever deeper, into the blue of the sea, not being able to see the bottom.

Filicudi - Natural Areas

Secca dei Sei Metri

Visiting the Island Filicudi, which has volcanic origin, it is possible to explore the Secca dei Sei metri; there you can see huge boulders, under which you can find moray eels and lobsters, and paying particular interest, however, the presence of rocks, which are home to sea fans and red curly melon. The color of the backdrop is a brilliant emerald green to a romantic turquoise. You can also find the sponges Axinella, which have the bright yellow color.

Taormina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Taormina

The Arab-Norman Castle or even Castello di Monte Tauro dominates the whole city of Taormina from above with a beautiful view of the sea. It was built in the Middle Ages on the remains of an ancient acropolis; it has a trapezoidal base and a tower, which served as a lookout. Today of this construction we can admire only the high keep and the courtyard, as well as the remains of a tower and the surrounding walls. The Castle is open to the public and to get there you have to go along a long staircase, which starts from the church of Madonna della Rocca.

Taormina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Corvaia

The Palace, dating back to the 11th century, is very impressive, in fact, the tower and the main body that develops on the left side of the building immediately catches the eye. Over the years it has undergone various changes, including extensions and restructuring. The conquest by the Arabs is confirmed by the decidedly oriental architectural style.

Salina - Beaches

Spiaggia di Pollara

Panarea - Beaches

Cala Junco

The beautiful bay of Cala Junco is a natural swimming pool, with water shades ranging from blue to green. It's the main attraction of the island and it's very busy during summer.

Lipari - Beaches

Spiaggia bianca

Enchanting and favored among the young people, it is considered one of Lipari''s most beautiful beaches, from its sand that is a strong white color thanks to the pumice that was extracted in the past. The sea is turquoise and mild temperatures make it one of the most crowded beaches of Lipari. It’s easy to arrive here by bus.

Stromboli - Beaches

Spiaggia di Forgia Vecchia

Milazzo - Beaches

Spiaggia di Milazzo

Stromboli - Beaches

Spiaggia di Lazzaro

Vulcano - Beaches

Spiaggia delle Sabbie Nere

Among the most famous beaches of Vulcano is certainly one of the Black Sand beach is one of the most famous beaches of Vulcano,really unique and special because of the characteristic fine black sand of volcanic origin. In summer the beach is always very busy, even by VIPs and celebrities.

Lipari - Beaches

Marina Corta e Marina Lunga

Steps away from the Municipal of Lipari are located the two bays of Marina Corta and Marina Lunga at their shoulders extends the city with its course. Famous for afternoon and evening strolls with a few small shops and restaurants along the way.

Lipari - Beaches

Spiaggia di Valle Muria

Valle Muria in Lipari is a truly splendid sandy beach where the shoreline is long and narrow closed by two rock promontories. From here the Island of Vulcano and the stacks of Pietra Lunga and Pietra Menalda are visible. To arrive here a boat leaves from Marina Corta.

Gioiosa Marea - Beaches

Spiaggia di Capo Calavà

Tindari - Beaches

Spiaggia di Marinello

Stromboli - Beaches

Spiaggia di Scari

Stromboli - Beaches

Spiaggia di Ficogrande

Poorly equipped and very popular is ideal for families with children and young people. Ficogrande beach is 600 meters long, 30 to 60 meters wide and consists of small pebbles. The beach is black because of its volcanic origin.

Taormina - Theaters

Teatro Greco

The Greek Theatre of Taormina is the second theatrical building in size of Sicily, after that of Syracuse. It was most likely built in the 3rd century BC by Nero II. In fact, the name of the Tyrant's wife, Philistis, is engraved on the steps. On top of the steps there was once covered a double porch. Currently, the Theater is home to national and international cultural events.

Vulcano - Caves

Grotta del Cavallo o dell'Eremita

The Cavallo Cave, also known as the Cave of the Hermit, is located on the Island of Vulcano and is one of the largest caves in all of Sicily. The cave has several entrances, some of which are underground, and its characteristics have allowed the formation of a rare mineral called 'Apatite Carbonate' which comes in the form of real stalactites.

Vulcano - Beaches

Spiaggia del Gelso

Capo d'Orlando - Fountains

Fontana Drago

From an uncertain era and recently restored. Completely made of sandstone, it is decorated with majolica from the school of Naso (between the 17th century and the beginning of the nineteenth century). A gentle coat of arms embellished the fountain, but unfortunately it was stolen in 1985.

Capo d'Orlando - Museums

Museo Fondazione Famiglia Piccolo di Calanovella

The museum is located inside a refined and elegant villa, late 19th century. The famous writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, author of “The Leopard” stayed here often, linked by a particular friendship with the Piccolo. In the museum-foundation you can admire paintings, photographs, ceramics, antique weapons.

Capo d'Orlando - Parks and nature reserves

Parco Suburbano

Milazzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo settecentesco dei Marchesi d'Amico

This is an example of eighteenth-century architecture in the historic center. It is the work of the Messina architect Francesco Arena, on commission of the Marquises D'Amico, realized in the years 1733-35. In 1975 it was subjected to protection and artistic and cultural bond and in the 80s it was acquired by the Municipality that made it the headquarters of the Municipal Library.

Alicudi - Caves

Grotta della Palumba

The Palumba Cave is located in the lonely and western island of Alicudi, a young volcanic complex and one of the smallest islands of the Aeolian Islands, in a wonderful setting where the protagonist is a wonderful crystal clear sea. A surreal place with natural charm, where silence is broken only by the sound of the wind and that of the sea.

Filicudi - Caves

Grotta del Bue Marino

The Grotta del Bue Marino, located on the north west of the island of Filicudi, is the largest cave in the Aeolian Islands. It takes its name from the monk seals that lived in the past and its interior offers special play of light and the magic of the sound of the sea that resembles the bellowing of an ox.

Filicudi - Caves

Grotta dei Gamberi

The Grotta dei Gamberi is located on the island of Filicudi and is very popular for scuba diving since this is one of the best diving places on the island thanks to the presence of shrimp and fish of every kind on the inside. Particularly striking is the effect of the wall of the cave that ends on the sand at about 50 meters deep.

Panarea - Caves

Grotta degli Innamorati

The Cave of Lovers, located near the islet of Lisca Bianca, about 3 km from the Island of Panarea, is located in a place of great suggestion where the sea is wonderfully clear and crystal clear. The cave is renowned for a legend that tells that couples in love who kiss each other inside will remain united for life.

Vulcano - Natural Areas

Capo Testa Grossa

On the island of Vulcano it is possible to dive in the area of Capo Testa Grossa, which forms a vertical wall full of wonderful sponges. It has very jagged canals, caves and rocks.

Vulcano - Natural Areas

Scoglio Quaglietto

The Scoglio Quaglietto area allows one of the most beautiful dives that the island of Vulcano can offer. It is possible among other things to immerse yourself in a cave where there is a statue representing Our Lady.

Panarea - Beaches

Spiaggia di Calcara

At the northern end of the island of Panarea, the beach is located in a Valley and is well-known and highly respected for volcanic phenomena, typical fumaroles. Likely location of an extinct volcano, the air that we breathe here is characterised by volcanic aroma.

Filicudi - Viewpoints

Faraglione la Canna

The Faraglione is the result of the last eruption of volcano Filicudi, which occurred about 40,000 years ago. The rock has the shape of a tower 71 meters high, on top of which, the mountaineers, they placed a statue of the Madonna. It is inhabited by protected species of hawks and lizards. The palce is nice for scuba diving with a lot of fishes and even lobster.

Filicudi - Natural Areas

Scoglio della Fortuna

It is one of the most fascinating attractions of Filicudi. Its particular shape, similar to a basin, means that inside it forms a sort of natural pool. The crystal clear water allows you to fully enjoy the pleasure of the dive, up to a maximum of -23 meters, and to admire and photograph the natural caves and the beautiful local flora and fauna.

Filicudi - Natural Areas

Scoglio Gianfante

The Scoglio Gianfante has a volcanic origin. The name is due to its similarity with the elephant, which in Sicilian dialect is called just "Giafante." The depth of the water around the basalt formation attracts numerous divers.

Stromboli - Beaches

Spiaggia Punta lena

Panarea - Monuments

Relitto di Lisca Bianca

Right off the island of Panarea is located the ship wreck of Lisca Bianca, one of the vast ship wrecks that are located in the archipelago. While the other shipwrecks in the area are to deep to allow viewing this is one of the few wrecks where it is allowed to view on a sport dive because of its depth while the other wrecks in the area are far to deep to allow for such a dive, it is kept in a very bad state, even though its modern.

Panarea - Natural Areas

Le Formiche

Ants are a group of rocks that are part of an extended low bottom and so called for their small size. Diving is undemanding especially in case of calm sea and transparent water allows you to visualize the scenic seabed.

Salina - Natural Areas

Secca di Pollara

La Secca di Pollara has rocky walls rich in ravines, coves, caves and canyons. Precisely because of its shape it is the ideal environment for starfish, sea fans and numerous fish species such as moray rees, octopuses and grouper.

Lipari - Natural Areas

Monte S. Angelo

By moving to the central part of Lipari, it is possible to walk along the road that leads to the top of Monte S. Angel. A strategic position to admire the whole walkway. Il Monte, of volcanic origin, portrays evidence of contact between the water and magma and belongs to the second volcanic period, a geological characteristic of the island.

Lipari - Water spa and wellness

Terme di San Calogero

The Terme di San Calogero are an ancient spa already known by the Greeks for their waters used for treatments. So They may be the oldest spas in the Mediterranean area. They are only open for sightseeing.

Stromboli - Natural Areas

Scoglio dello Strombolicchio

Just north of Stromboli is located Strombolicchio, a reef that has a lighthouse opened during the summer. The coral coast is a true paradise for divers.

Alicudi - Natural Areas

Monte Filo dell'Arpa e Sciara dell'Arpa

The island is dominated by Monte Filo dell'Arpa, located at 675 meters above sea level, which can be reached from the path that passes through the church of San Bartolo, passing through landscapes surrounded by greenery, heather plants and prickly pears. From Filo dell'Arpa you can easily get to the valley of Sciara dell'Arpa, an inlet crossed by lava that dropped to the sea from the old volcano now inactive for centuries.

Alicudi - Natural Areas

Scoglio della Galera

The Rock of Galera is a natural wonder not to be missed in the western part of the island that can be carried 'like a sword' from the sea to the coast. It looks like the head of a dragon because of the conformity of the rocks that make it almost scaly and that will surely stimulate the imagination of the little ones. The Scoglio Galera is very well seen by sea so a tour of the island on a boat or a canoe is suggested.

Alicudi - Viewpoints

Punta Roccazza e Scalo Vecchio

Punta Roccazza marks the end of skiing (from the plural “sciarì” in Sicilian that are indicating the landslides) arriving at the Scalo Vecchio where the sailors sheltered the boats from the wind of Tramontana.

Alicudi - Natural Areas

Rupe del Perciato

Impossible not to visit the Cliff of the Perciato, a splendid natural arch furrowed in rock at sunset makes the island really very suggestive.

Salina - Beaches

Laghetto salato di Lingua

Salina - Natural Areas

Punta Perciato

Beautiful to see for its enchanting natural scenery is the dry of Punta Perciato, which develops in length parallel to the coast and consists of some big rocks from the morphology and extremely jagged walls. A great place recommended for divers and many diving enthusiasts.

Messina - Streets and Squares

Piazza Unita' D'Italia

Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia is located near the historic center of Messina and consists of the Prefecture Palace and the Fountain of Neptune that dominates the entire central space. The latter is the work of Giovanni Angelo Montorsi depicting the God of the Sea as he announces to the Messina that he had subsided the currents of the Strait.

Messina - Fountains

Fontana Bios

The Bios Fountain was designed and built in 2005 by the Messina painter and sculptor Ranieri Wanderlingh. This work was donated to the city of Messina by the “Gazzetta del Sud” for the 50th anniversary of its foundation. The Bios fountain, 18 meters long and 6.90 meters high, is composed of two elements tapered in reinforced concrete and symbolizes the continuity of life generation after generation.

Gioiosa Marea - Archaeological Sites

Gioiosa Guardia

Gioiosa Guardia was a city built by Vinciguerra of Aragon as a fortress to defend pirate raids. At the end of the eighteenth century, due to the high seismicity of the territory, the city was abandoned. Today we can only admire the remains.

Messina - Beaches

Spiaggia di mortelle

Naso - Beaches

Spiaggia Testa di Monaco

Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto - Beaches

Spiaggia di Calderà

Piraino - Viewpoints

Torre Saracena

Built between the twelfth century with defense purposes for the sighting of any invaders from the sea, it is located in a strategic position from which a vast stretch of coastline dominates with the gaze. It is 16m high, and is divided on three levels and a terrace, connected to each other by an internal ladder.

Piraino - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa S. Caterina

Considered from an ancient era, over time it has been modified and embellished several times. It was a parish already at the end of 1500 and continued until 1960. On the left side of the Church a short staircase leads to the Chapel of SS. Ecce Homo.

Piraino - Historic Centres

Piraino, quattro passi nella storia

Piraino, located at 416m above sea level, according to tradition, the toponym between origin from the name of the Piracmone Cyclops, which built the first nucleus inhabited around the year 827 BC, is a place capable of surprising for its landscapes and the cultural intertwines of its people; his is a very ancient story, between myths and legends.

Piraino - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa del Rosario

The Church of the Rosary, almost at the entrance of the country, was called in ancient times of the Holy Trinity and served for some time as the main Church; it was set on fire and destroyed in the middle of 1500 during a raid of Saracen pirates and rebuilt in 1635 by the Brotherhood of SS. Rosary.

Messina - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata

Medieval monument of great historical importance, it was built in Norman times on the ruins of the ancient temple of Neptune. Re-emerged following the 1908 earthquake that brought down the additions.

Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo della Cultura

Multifunctional center of the city of Messina, it was built in 1975 on a project to form an inverted pyramid. Within it has an auditorium, an outdoor theater, a library and an exhibition center.

Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzetto Coppedè

Designed by renowned Florentine architect Gino Coppedè, from whom takes its name, Coppedè building is a building in eclectic style easily recognizable thanks to the unmistakable majestic eagles that are included in the grates of the balconies.

Cesaro' - Castles, palaces and mansions

I ruderi del Castello di Bolo

The Castle of Bolo dates back to 1139 during the Norman domination. The walls of the castle were built with sketched stones. Currently, there is nothing left of the fortress, only a few ruins as a testimony of the existence of the castle itself.

San Marco d'Alunzio - Museums

Museo Parrocchiale

The Parish Museum, built in 19 May 1996, is located in the church of San Giuseppe. Inside the museum it is possible to admire about 300 pieces from the Aluntine churches. The Hall of 'Aluntini Liturgical Silvers', the true treasure of the museum, contains different liturgical objects made by skilled Sicilian artisans.

Taormina - Museums

Antiquarium del Teatro Greco Romano

It 's the small archaeological museum in the Greek theater, where archaeological finds in the centuries have been recovered in the area and temporarily assigned to the largest museum of Syracuse.

Capo d'Orlando - Museums

Museo Fondazione Famiglia Piccolo di Calanovella

The Fondazione Famiglia Piccolo di Calanovella manages the villa-museum of the families of the noble family of Palermo Lucio, Agata Giovanna and Casimiro Piccolo. The institution was founded in 1971, after the death of the poet Lucio Piccolo, to preserve and enhance the entire artistic and cultural heritage of the villa. Inside the Museum there are photographs, paintings and ceramics that testified by the belle époque nebroidea.

Castroreale - Museums

Pinacoteca Parrocchiale

The museum was created on 20 August 2005 on the Church of S. Maria degli Angeli. The heritage of the Church has always been preserved and never made fully usable. Currently, only a few works and statues are shown. The collection is divided into four parts: the mystery of the Redemption, of the Incarnation, of the Eucharistic and the Church. Among the frescoes presented there is one by Antonello Riccio dated 1587: “S. Leonardo da Porto Maurizio” and one by Friar Simpliciano from Palermo: “S. Lorenzo” of the 16th century.

Castroreale - Museums

Museo Civico

The Civic Museum is located in the former Oratory of the Filipino Fathers and has been open to the public since 1989. The building has been recently restored. Inside it is possible to admire works of art by artists from the province. Unfortunately, a strong earthquake in 1978 caused serious damage to the entire artistic heritage. The Municipality has taken steps to bring back all the finds in good condition and today it is possible to observe them here.

Longi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Longi o Medievale

Longi Castle dates back to the Middle Ages. We know that it was enlarged during the domination of the Lombards, around the twelfth century. This building has been refurbished several times. The last renovation was done in the 19th century. It is thought to be used for civil purposes, rather than military, since there are no towers in the structure. Today there are only ruins left.

Messina - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Bianca o Mozza

The White Tower, otherwise called Torre Scollato, has a truncated conical shape. In addition to the main function of defending production and commercial activities against pirate attacks, it was used as a place for collecting and collecting groceries and was also a support for radio and television antennas. The construction was modified and today's appearance is due to military use during the British occupation in the 19th century. The tower has great cultural and architectural importance.

Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte San Jachiddu

The fort is located in the center north of Messina and enjoys an excellent view as it is located on a high level. It has a symmetrical trapezoidal shape and is equipped with a drawbridge entrance. The whole structure consists of three levels that are connected by two ramps and numerous internal and external stairs. For many years it was in very bad condition, but, after being renovated, the building has been excellently recovered and is often used as a venue for events and exhibitions.

Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castellaccio

The Castellaccio, a building of ancient origins, is located on a hill 150 meters above sea level and, most likely, stands on walls built by populations before the Hellenes. Over the centuries, the structure has been rebuilt several times and, of the original project, only the rectangular plan remains.

Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Matagrifone trasformato

The castle of Matagrifone is located on Viale Principe Umberto, where today stands the Shrine of Christ the King. Its position on a dominant hill, close to the historic center, has always made it a privileged point for controlling the city. The building has an octagonal shape with a high dome where eight bronze statues are added, and at the top of the access staircase is a statue of Christ the King.

Messina - Walls, towers and gates

Bastione San Vincenzo

The Bastion of San Vincenzo was positioned in the homonymous fort, already existing in the ancient city walls of Messina. It was built at the behest of Charles V, and designed by the architect Antonio Ferramolino, with the aim of strengthening the defense of the city and providing an urban planning of Messina.

Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Batteria Menaja o Forte Crispi

Battery Menaja or Forte Crispi was built in 1887 near portella Arena di Messina. Over the years, the structure has performed several functions, moving from a pseudo stable to an abusive landfill. Currently, the fort is managed by individuals, but this has not led to any improvements regarding its state of degradation.

Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte Gonzaga

The Gonzaga Fort was built on a robust natural relief known as Montepiselli. The fort is shaped like an irregular star and is surrounded by ditches. The small, but imposing defensive structure has a low silhouette with a strong escarpment and a star plan with six large angular ramparts of triangular shape. Today the fortress is the property of the Municipality, and is in excellent state of preservation.

Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Real Cittadella

The Real Citadel is a fortress built in the 17th century with the function of defense of the port of Messina. Located on the San Ranieri peninsula, it was built by engineer Carlos de Grunenbergh. Access to the Citadel was through Porta Grazia, beautifully decorated by Domenico Biondo. The structure was in the shape of a pentagonal star with five angular ramparts.

Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Bastione Santa Barbara

The Bastion was part of a monastic complex built by Charles V and dedicated to the homonymous Saint that was built around 1537. Today of the bastion and the city walls that surrounded it, there is not much left, only the ancient homonymous staircase that was restructured following the earthquake.

Messina - Fountains

Fontana Falconieri

The Falconieri Fountain was designed by the architect Carlo Falconieri inspired by the Tuscan neo-Renaissance. The fountain was built in 1842 and is located in Piazza Bascio in Messina. Three years after the inauguration, four sea monsters were added with heads of man, lion, griffin and dolphin.

Messina - Fountains

Fontana di Gennaro

The fountain of Gennaro di Messina dates back to the 17th century is located along Corso Cavour. It is composed of a statue of a young Aquarius, placed on a globe that represents the world and is surrounded by the band of the Zodiac. After the 1908 earthquake, the fountain was restored only in 1932.

Messina - Fountains

Fontana Senatoria

The Senatorium Fountain of Messina is located in via Consolato. Initially, it stood at the Piazza del Palazzo Reale and only in 1937, with the arrival of Benito Mussolini in Messina, it was moved to the current site. The fountain consists of a circular marble basin from the center of which stands a base that holds a cup, decorated with baccelletti, on which the seven names of the Messina senators are engraved and the year of the creation of the tank, 1615.

Messina - Fountains

Fontana della Pigna

The fountain of the Pigna dates back to the 18th century and was built by city artisans. Until 1988, the fountain was located in the center of Viale Boccetta, then it was moved off Seguenza, due to the increased traffic. It consists of a tub on three steps and a column that supports a tray topped by a pine cone from which the name of the fountain also derives.

Messina - Fountains

Fontana dei 4 Cavallucci

The “Quattro Cavallucci” Fountain of Messina dates back to 1635, it was built at the behest of the administrators of that time. The fountain has a Baroque style and took its name from the four seahorses present in the fountain from which the water came out.