Discover Piazza Duomo in Messina

As a second-generation Italian American, I grew up knowing my Sicilian grandparents and always felt a closeness to the Sicilian cultural traditions which were maintained by my family.

It wasn’t until I had grandchildren of my own, did I travel to Sicily for the first time. From the day I arrived, I felt at home. I fell in love with the people and the culture of Sicily and sensed a real emotional connection.

During one of my earliest trips to Sicily, I unexpectedly found myself in the port city of Messina for a short time. I only had time to wander around a large piazza where a huge cathedral is located.

The Duomo of Messina, also known as the Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the most ornamental churches in Sicily, featuring Norman, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. Originally built in the twelfth century, this cathedral is the result of rebuilding after a devastating fire, several earthquakes, as well as bombings during World War II. What is amazing to me is that the repeated restorations of this magnificent cathedral result in such beauty.

For me, the most interesting point about this piazza is the 197-foot-tall bell tower of the cathedral. At the top of this campanile is an elaborate astronomical clock with figures that perform at the top of the hour.

A lion roars and a rooster crows while the figures rotate, and the clock routinely chimes. At noon this clock chimes for twelve minutes, and classical music plays. Built in 1933, this clock has more than 33,000 gears and moving parts; it boasts the distinction of being the world’s largest mechanical and astronomical clock, known as Orologio Astronomico.

One other beautiful piece of architecture in this lively piazza to the left of the cathedral, is Fontana di Orione. The Fountain of Orion was finished in 1553 by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli (1507-1563) a disciple of Michelangelo. This Florentine-style sixteenth-century fountain was inspired by the myth of Orion, who supposedly is credited with founding the city of Messina The fountain was commissioned by the Senate of Messina in celebration of the completion of the city’s first aqueduct. Its pale marble construction and attention to detail in its sculptures is stunning and a good subject for some photos.

This large Piazza del Duomo is a great spot to meander and absorb the ambience and people-watch, one of my favorite pastimes.

Many local Sicilians are in the piazza, and a young boy, about six or seven years old, who is playing an accordion caught my attention. Immediately I was a little suspicious and on guard, since I was aware of common tactics of scam artists who use children playing musical instruments as distractions. After scanning the crowd for an adult who might be working with this child, I noticed this boy make an attempt to pickpocket a few tourists. When he was not successful, he approached some other people and boldly asked for money.

I paid no attention to him but kept my eye on the situation. Suddenly I observed a woman sitting in a car, and I surmised she may be his mother, as I saw her watching and encouraging his behavior. It’s always important wherever you may be traveling, to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

As I leave this city via the port of Messina, I can see the tall statue that sits in the half-moon-shaped harbor. This is the Madonnina, or Madonna statue, the protectress of the city. What a beautiful sight.

I’ve been fortunate to return to Sicily over and again, and recount my experiences in this true story, with passion and love for my ancestors’ homeland.

If you haven’t already checked out my award-winning travel memoir about Sicily, it’s available in paperback, kindle, and audiobook. You’ll feel as if you’re traveling alongside me as I travel to different places in Sicily, explore the village of my maternal grandparents, and connect with new friends whom I believe to be family.

For more about Messina and Sicily, check out My Love Affair with Sicily, in paperback, kindle, and audiobook.

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Ciao.

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