Techno Tourist Visits Italy: Messina, Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. It's the one that looks like it's being kicked by the toe of Italy's "boot". TechnoTourist visited Messina - a city on the Strait of Messina which is separated from the mainland by just 1.9 miles. While major earthquakes (in 1542, 1693, and 1908) have done serious damage to the island in the past, the Sicilian people have rebuilt.

The cathedral of Messina dates back to the 12^th century, but has been rebuilt several times. The first time was in 1919 after being almost entirely destroyed by the 1908 earthquake in Messina. This 7.2 magnitude earthquake killed over 72,000 people - 40% of Messina's population. It also caused a tsunami over 20 feet high and aftershocks that continued for years. The earthquake was centered in the Strait of Messina.

The cathedral was rebuilt for the last time in 1943 after sustaining damage from Allied bombs in WWII. Some parts of the cathedral date back to the 15^th century; for example, the apsidal area which has Normal structure and the late Gothic style façade. Messina and was detected as far away as Washington, D.C. Much of Messina's remaining population was forced to relocate because the city was almost entirely destroyed.

While the cathedral is beautiful and contains early artifacts that were not entirely destroyed over the years, even more unique is the nearby bell tower ("campanile" in Italian). In 1933 the largest animated clock in the world was added to the tower. Gears and levers, run by a counterweight and electric motor, control the show:

• Sounds on the hour and quarter of each hour
• Picture movement
• Sounds and character movement from 12:00 to 12:15

The show was quite a sight to see - tourists began gathering in the square at about 10 minutes to noon in anticipation of the daily show. Statues turned and moved, animals made sounds, and music played. Fireworks were lit off at a nearby castle to complete the display.

In addition to being animated it is also an astronomical clock. The day, phases of the moon, and planets are all displayed.

Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicily

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messina

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/events/1908_12_28.php

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/rescue/peopleevents/pandeAMEX99.html

http://www.sicilia-by-divino.com/messina-cathedral.html

http://clocksofeurope.tripod.com/id10.html

Other "Techno Tourist Visits Italy" entries:

Techno Tourist Visits Italy: The Pantheon

Techno Tourist Visits Italy: Siena

Techno Tourist Visits Italy: Florence

Techno Tourist Visits Italy: Capri