Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Outside the Duomo, you can't miss the 60m
campanile
(bell tower) and its incongruous
astronomical clock, said to be the world's largest. Built in Strasbourg in 1733, it strikes at
noon, setting in motion a procession of bronze automata that sets off a comical roaring li-
on and crowing cockerel. Climb the tower to see the enormous figures up close.
orates Orion, the mythical founder of Messina, while nearby on Piazza Catalani, the 12th-
century Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani is a fine example of Arab-Nor-
man construction.
Museo Regionale
( 090 36 12 92; Viale della Libertà 465; adult/reduced €5/3; 9am-1.30pm Mon-Fri, 4.30-7pm Tue, Thu & Sat,
9am-12.30pm Sun)
Messina's considerable art collection is held here. The most famous work
is the
San Gregorio
(St Gregory) polyptych by local boy Antonello da Messina
(1430-79). Although in pretty shabby condition, its five panels are wonderfully figurative.
There are also two splendid works by Caravaggio (1571-1610):
L'Adorazione dei pastori
(Adoration of the Shepherds) and
Risurrezione di Lazzaro
(Resurrection of Lazarus).
Another highlight is
Madonna con bambino e santi
(Virgin with Child and Saints), by
Antonello da Messina.
To get here, pick up a tram at Piazza Cairoli and take a ride up the sickle-shaped har-
(Neptune's Fountain) in the middle of two busy roads, and the colossal golden statue, the
the line for the Museo Regionale.
MUSEUM
Eating
Messina is famous for its quality
pesce spada
(swordfish), which is typically served
agghiotta,
with pine nuts, sultanas, garlic, basil and tomatoes.
Trattoria Dudù
( 090 67 43 93; Via Cesare Battisti 122-124; meals €22; Mon-Sat)
This is a homey, family-run trat-
toria, ideal for a hearty lunch. It's not a smart place, its interior a cheerful jumble of fading
family photos,
presepi
(nativity scene) figures, puppets and assorted bric-a-brac, but the
TRATTORIA
€
