cathedral of messina (duomo)

Like so many others we were on a tour from a cruise ship. Of course, that means big crowds. At least initially in the cathedral and the square ... until everyone has seen it and disperses into other areas of town. Then, not crowded at all.And this is a beautiful, small town cathedral well worth visiting for Mass or anytime it's not too crowded.

I have been traveling Sicily for the past month and decided on a quick visit to Messina. I was pleasantly surprised when I entered Piazza Duomo. The music from the Bell Tower had people stopped, enjoying the movement of the Bell Tower Clock. I then entered The Cathedral of Messina. What makes this my most favorite Duomo is the simplicity of the interior. In fact, it's this simplicity is what gives it it's grandeur. That and the organ music that filled the church. If only passing through Messina, this is well worth the stop.

This church had beautiful details in it. It reminded me of the one in Monreale, Sicily! The details on the ceiling were wonderful as well! Mass was good too!

This beautiful cathedral has had a tough history, it was destroyed by fire, then again by earthquake and recently heavily damaged in the second world war. Today it stands magnificent and is even more ornate and beautifully decorated inside than you expect. If you're on a cruise ship and don't take a full day tour walk to the town and see this beautiful church. There are two restaurants nearby with good food.

We were doing a bus tour called the highlights of Messina and part of that was a visit to the main Square where the Cathedral of Messina is situated.A lovely place with lots of statues, beautifull marble, great architecture, one always marvels at the fantastic workmanship of the tradesmen soo long ago. We were also taken into the treasury of the Cathedral which would be priceless, most of it given by very rich Noble Family's over the centuries, lovely stuff, what history. At midday we all gathered outside near the clock tower and beside the magnificent fountain that dates back to the 1400-1500s. When the clock strikes 12 all different characters appear from windows and put on a show that last about 10-15 minutes, superb to watch and hundreds gather every day to witness the spectacle. While this is going on you can hear the music from the famous cathedral pipe organ which we were told is the biggest in Europe with 1600 pipes.A visit to the Cathedral and to see the clock tower show at midday is a must when your in lovely historical Messina.

Just like most of the Cathedrals in Italy and Sicily this is a site to see. If you enjoy architecture and old world beauty you will want to see this one.Typical marble and colors use are so impressive. We only had one day here so we did not get to spend more than 30 minutes here, but you could spend at least an hour or more if you want to look at everything.

We are always amazed that these wonderful old buildings are maintained in such fantastic condition, though how worshippers could have funded such a fabulous place is a puzzle.Without doubt you can spend hours looking at the inside beauty and structure of the cathedral.Well worth a visit.

The cathedral was originally commissioned by the Normans (1087) but destroyed by fire and earthquakes. It was rebuilt in 1908 and renovated because of Allied bombs in1947. The distinctive façade is adorned with marble and reliefs of the 14th century. The three portals are Gothic. The interior is quite large(92m.long,30m.wide) with 24 columns dividing the nave into two isles and are designed to sustain shock of tremors. The walls are decorated by 12 chapels of the apostles. In fact, there's much to see in this roomy and beautiful church. The pipe organ is the second largest in Italy. The bell tower(60m.) is quite imposing with one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world(1933). It has 6 large windows with characters representing historical figures and religious themes. Showtime is at noon and lasts 15 min. The beautiful Fountain of Orion outside the church dates from 1500 and apparently was created in celebration of Messina's first aqueduct.

Was here in 2012 and it was great. So we took 6 friends up the long winding uphill streets. Got stopped and told we had to take a guided tour for a free will offering and that the church was closed for construction

This church is about the interior. There are beautiful mosaics behind altar and the left chapel. The intricately painted wood ceiling is also very impressive. A museum (the treasury) on the right holds some incredible reliquaries and is worth seeing. There is a fee to see the treasury.Outside on the Piazza Duomo is an interesting astrological clock.

The Cathedral worth a visit, it's big and beautiful and the museum is perfect, with lots of beautiful thing to see. Also visit the tower clock museum, the view from there is very beautiful although the top part was closed, admission very cheap and a well organized shop.

We had an hour before a tour and accidentally stumbled upon the cathedral. It was so much more than it looked from the exterior. The clock tower was amazing. I loved the ceiling heights, the statues, the quietness of the place.

The Cathedral of Messina was very close to our pier hence we were able to walk through the site as our first stop. The place was interesting if combined with the Clock Tower next to it. With the limited time available we had a brief visit and took few photos before rushing to the train station for Taormina. Next trip we shall make a point in visiting the place at noon in order to see the display from the clock tower.

We loved it and went twice to at midday to see the show with the mechanical figures and the music was great.

The clock tower it is very nice and interesting but unfortunally just few statues move and the rest are broken....