The Campanile of the Cathedral of Messina is one of the most curious attractions of Italy.  It rises to about 60 meters with its majestic mechanical clock, added to the bell tower in 1933, boasting the supremacy of being the largest astronomical clock in the world.

The façade, which looks on the Square, is on the main side of the tower.  On the first floor, an earthly experience is depicted through statues that cover the four main stages of life: childhood, youth, maturity and old age.  Between them lies death.  The entire complex moves every quarter of an hour.

Further below on the other hand, the days of the week are represented by seven Greek Gods driving a chariot drawn by different animals (thus resuming its Greek myth that wanted Apollo to be driving the chariot to make the sun rise).

On the second floor instead, the most important phases of the events of Christ have been reproduced: His Birth, Easter and Pentecost.

On the third floor, the scene is dominated by a free-range rooster, symbol of the rebirth of the city. On its sides, the statues of two women Dina and Clarenza, noble citizens of Messina, who distinguished themselves during the Sicilian Vespers of 1282 against the Angevins.

On the fourth floor the Lion, a symbol of strength and courage, holds in its paws the flag of Messina flown three times a day.  At noon, a mighty roar celebrates the tenacity of its people.

Finally at the top is the big clock.

The ring road runs 9 kilometers on the upper part of Messina, which offers sensational landscapes of great beauty, especially in the evening, with the city lights illuminating the waters of the Strait and the tip of Calabria, sealing the picturesque panorama.  Along the way, there are numerous architectural testimonies of the noble history of Messina.

Among the places to mark on the agenda before heading towards Messina is definitely Ganzirri, ten kilometers to the north.  The beauty of the place enhanced by the presence of the sea and typical local ponds annually attracts an increasing number of tourists.

The Pantano Grande and Pantano Piccolo are lakes partly navigable, in which has developed a thriving trade in fishery products: mussels, mollusks, crabs, oysters and clams.  You will therefore understand that even local places of the area provide delicious products for lovers of seafood in exciting locations placed directly on the lake.

Cape Pelorus, commonly called Tip of the Lighthouse, is the extreme northern tip of Sicily, the part closest to Italy of the entire island.

During the summer period, Mortelle is the preferred location by the people of Messina, where numerous beaches are found along the sandy coast, which offer all the amenities to make you forget the stress of the city.  Like any self-respecting seaside resort, here pizzerias also abound, along with bars and clubs to spend your evenings.

The anticipated event of the year, the feast of the Annunciation gives character to the city of Messina for several days.  From August 10, carried in procession, are the Giants, two large equestrian statues of the warrior Moor Griffin and noble Lady Mata made ​​of wood and papier-mâché.

Even with all the different versions of the story, the most credible one reports that the Muslim leader, hopelessly in love with Mata, is convinced to convert to Christianity in order to have her.

From August 1^st, following one another, the preparations of the Vara, a large float that takes up the theme of Mary and her ascension into heaven.  This was released in 1535 to celebrate the triumphal entry of Charles V in Messina.  Today it presents itself as a huge wagon, with the angels and cherubs at the feet of Christ who rises Mary into heaven.  Hundreds of faithful, with strong ropes, carry la Vara in procession.  The procession ends in front of the Cathedral, packed with cheering people who celebrate the ascent of Mary into heaven.  In the evening, spectacular fireworks light up with bright colors the waters of the Strait.

Messina is a city that has always had numerous dishes based on fish, some also adopted from the culinary traditions of other cities.

The dish par excellence is the Stockfish of the greedy: it is big cod dried in a natural way, the rapier in fact, stuffed with potatoes, olives and capers.

The mussels are among the shellfish most chosen by tourists: the famous pepper here assumes a different flavor thanks to the renowned mussels of Ganzirri.

The blue fish of the strait, served flaming, comes pan-fried and is eaten still smoking, with the fish crispy enough as not to even remove the scales.

Finally, a special mention goes to the swordfish, of which act of fishing it itself is considered an art.

Its meat is one of the most delicious as much as to be praised since Greek times.  It can be served grilled, seasoned with olive oil and fresh parsley, breaded cutlets or baked, wrapped in a roll or stewed, making it possible to create the right mix of condiments and side dishes.