Many thanks RRosario7 - you have answered all my questions, and so promptly. Thanks again. Morgymay

Welcome to Sicily Morgymay!

You might also find this interactive map of Messina useful - Click on attractions and zoom in.

frommers.com/destinations/destinationmap.cfm…

Vagabonda

Also in the vicinity of the Duomo, and not to be missed is the Chiesa dei Catalani - down via Lepanto to the right of the cathedral (as you face it) and across Via Cesare Battisti. Alas, it is invariably kept closed, but it is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic sights in Messina.

Another potentially worthwhile site of interest and only 100m from the Duomo is the medieval street excavations behind the Town Hall. Head down the road to the left of the Duomo and just across the Via Consolato del Mare is an entrance with a small blue sign - doing its best not to give itself away. There's a small museum inside and it opens into the excavations behind the Comune.

Also interesting might be the Chiesa degli Alemanni - not far away in Via Sant'Elia (off Via Garibaldi). It is empty, but architecturally and historically interesting. It is also usually open.

These would be lovely to see if time permits, but depending on your arrival and departure times in Messina, and with only 1-2 hours, the Duomo and Il Tesoro del Duomo as well as the Orologio Astronomico at noon are your top priorities. And then if time permits, perhaps take a taxi to the Museo Regionale for a quick glimpse of the masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina.

Vagabonda