Messina - Cathedral 
The cathedral in Messina, a Norman foundation dating from the time of Roger II, was begun in 1160 and consecrated in 1197. During the reconstruction after the earthquake of 1908, a great effort was made from 1919 to 1929 to recapture the original form of the building. This involved refurbishing those parts which were preserved, such as the sculptured portals dating from the 15th and 16th centuries; other parts had to be recreated as close as possible to the original, such as the campanile.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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This 60m/197ft high bell-tower, reconstructed using old designs, contains one of the greatest of all astronomical clocks, a work by the Strasbourg firm of Ungerer (1933); every day at midday the figures are set in motion and show scenes from the history of Messina, including the handing-over of the legendary letter of protection from the Madonna to Messina. According to tradition she gave a letter to Messinan diplomats in Nazareth, in which she wrote: "We bless you and your city".
Related Attractions
Façade
The façade of the cathedral, with its three portals, forming clear definite lines along the edge of the piazza, is highly impressive. The late Gothic portals date from alterations which took place during the 15th and 16th centuries, while the three apses on the east side still date from the time of the cathedral's inception.
Interior
The cathedral is like all Norman cathedrals in Sicily, a columned basilica with three aisles, forming the shape of a cross, with three apses and an open, brightly-colored roof truss. Its interior leaves a monumental impression: the arcades have pointed arches; the apse mosaics of the enthroned Christ are reconstructions, as are the apostle altars of the side aisles.
The sculpture depicting John the Baptist at the first altar is the work of A. Gagini (1525).
The sculpture depicting John the Baptist at the first altar is the work of A. Gagini (1525).
