Tours and must-see places for guests staying at Palazzo Monopolio
Messina, a city rich in history, art and Mediterranean heritage, is a perfect destination to explore during your stay at Palazzo Monopolio. With its historic harbour, squares and magnificent buildings, it gives you an authentic look at Eastern Sicily. Stroll among the city's landmarks and be enchanted by Messina's lively cultural and gastronomic scene. Messina offers excellent Sicilian cuisine: try the pitoni, Messina-style focaccia, mussels and pignolata, as well as typical Sicilian specialities such as arancini, cannoli and local granita with brioches for breakfast.
Palazzo Monopolio is located at Via del Vespro, 53, a convenient location for reaching both the historic centre and the city's natural and scenic attractions. We suggest a walk through the centre that includes a visit to Piazza Duomo, overlooked by the imposing and fascinating Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. Every day at noon, the astronomical clock on the bell tower offers a spectacle of animated figures, and the Fountain of Orione is a true Renaissance masterpiece.
Moving along Via Garibaldi, the long road connecting the centre to the port, you will find shops, bars and restaurants. Another beautiful public fountain is the Fountain of Neptune. For an art break, the MuMe (Messina Regional Interdisciplinary Museum) houses valuable works by Caravaggio, Antonello da Messina and other great masters.
The Stele della Madonna della Lettera can be considered the symbol of Messina, overlooking the harbour. Staying in the harbour area, the Passeggiata a Mare promenade is perfect for walks at sunset with views of the Strait of Messina. The Piloni dello Stretto at Torre Faro offer spectacular views of the strait and are also an excellent spot for taking photographs. For a nature break, we recommend a tour of the botanical gardens of the University of Messina and the redeveloped Forti Umbertini, extraordinary works of military engineering from which numerous trekking routes branch off into the Peloritani Mountains. Alternatively, if you want to relax by the sea without straying too far from the city centre, the coastline stretches for over ten kilometres from Ringo to Torre Faro, just a few kilometres away. Here, you will find Blue Flag beaches equipped with facilities where you can sunbathe, swim or simply enjoy the view of the Strait in total relaxation.