We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 19 Messina Attractions »

Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico)

Piazza del Duomo, Messina, Sicily, Italy
Ranked #1 of 13 attractions in Messina
4.5 of 5 stars 24 Reviews
Type: Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Update attraction details
Write a Review

24 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    15
    6
    3
    0
    0
Date Rating
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

While you do need to see this if you are in Messina at noon, it was not quite what the hype had built it up to be. Probably starte when the lion failed to roar, but the show was a bit long and out of sync. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by ARP313 for Messina
St.Venera Malta
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 February 2012
2
people found this review helpful

We were there at 11.45am waiting for noon to strike. We both liked the Astronomical Clock. When I first saw it I was only 14 years so it brought back memories and really enjoyed watching it again. Those who goes to Sicily should try to go to Messina to watch it. It's really something worth going for. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
queluz portugal
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 January 2012

long wait but its worth, the lion begins to roar, then the cock and so om very slowly finally the Ave Maria Gunod and thats all. Tower is beautiful just next to Duomo in the Centre. Its a must of Messina. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by fremy for Messina
New York City, New York
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

In Messina you cannot miss it at noon! It is a great show simply fantastic the Ave Maria of Schubert More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Diane V for Messina
Coral Springs, Florida
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 December 2011
1
person found this review helpful

The astronomical clock in Messina (Orologio Astronomico) had quite an audience. Centrally located, it was easy to get to, and enjoy. All of the neat moving parts were exciting to see and hear. The Lion roars,, the angels sing. The church rises from the depth of sand. It was very entertaining! At the noon hour More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Connecticut
Top Contributor
508 reviews 508 reviews
Reviews in 129 cities Reviews in 129 cities
539 helpful votes 539 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 October 2011

We came to visit the Duomo in Messina. The astrological clock found in the Duomo’s bell tower is huge and a wonderful sight. There is a daily show by the clock at noon with moving figures and music. The piazza was filled with people watching the 12 minute show that started with the large lion moving and roaring a few... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by ct-cruisers for Messina
Weston-super-Mare, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
100 reviews 100 reviews
Reviews in 50 cities Reviews in 50 cities
94 helpful votes 94 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 August 2011
7
people found this review helpful

We had seen the clock strike noon when we were in Messina two years ago - it was amazing. Sadly we missed the noon striking this time but took the opportunity to climb up inside the bell tower. It was SO interesting - although I think to really appreciate it it would be best done AFTER seeing the clock strike.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Seattle, Washington
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
138 helpful votes 138 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 July 2011
3
people found this review helpful

Wish we could have caught the actual clock strike at 12 noon ... but seeing the clock itself is quiet a spectacular vision. You can actually ascend up to the top if you wish for a small price, but we were pretty hiked out by that time of day when we arrived and appreciated the beauty of this work of... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Scarsdale, New York
1 review
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 March 2011
7
people found this review helpful

Our guide book said "pass thru Messina, that there was nothing to see". The writer must have been blind. It's worth the trip to see this fabulous bell tower BUT you must be there at high noon (any day) to see it in action. The "show" last about 11 minutes. It's every bit as good as the clocks in Venice... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Memphis, TN USA
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 March 2010
17
people found this review helpful

My husband and I found ourselves unexpectedly in Messina when our cruise ship had a change of port. Having done no research, I quickly turned to trip advisor, even with the astronomical internet fees on board ship. We found the clock tower by following the small crowd into the city. It was amazing! I have never seen anything like it.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico) also viewed

Savoca
4.5 of 5 stars 8 Reviews
Messina, Province of Messina
Cathedral of Messina (Duomo)
4.5 of 5 stars 15 Reviews
Messina, Province of Messina
 
City Sightseeing Messina
4 of 5 stars 1 Review
Messina, Province of Messina
Museo Regionale
4.5 of 5 stars 8 Reviews
Messina, Province of Messina
 

Been to Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico)? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico), register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing