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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.

Must-see attractions nearby:
Regional Museum
Alicudi
Island of Lipari
Lipari Islands
Naxos
Monti Nébrodi
Piazza Municipio
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

Read More Façade

Read More Interior

More Messina AttractionsView All

The Bell Tower of the Messina cathedral.The Bell Tower of the Messina cathedral.
Fountain in front of the cathedral in Messina.Fountain in front of the cathedral in Messina.
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