Main sites Messina

1 main sites

1.1 religious architecture
1.2 civil , military architecture
1.3 monuments
1.4 museum

main sites


panorama of messina strait seen messina towards italian mainland. reggio calabria can seen on right.


religious architecture


cathedral of messina.



church of santissima annunziata dei catalani.



porta grazia.



fountain of orion.



the cathedral (12th century), containing remains of king conrad, ruler of germany , sicily in 13th century. building had entirely rebuilt in 1919–20, following devastating 1908 earthquake, , again in 1943, after fire triggered allied bombings. original norman structure can recognised in apsidal area. façade has 3 late gothic portals, central of dates 15th century. architrave decorated sculpture of christ among evangelists , various representations of men, animals , plants. tympanum dates 1468. interior organised in nave , 2 equally long aisles divided files of 28 columns. decorative elements belong original building, although mosaics in apse reconstructions. tombs of illustrious men besides conrad iv include of archbishops palmer (died in 1195), guidotto de abbiate (14th century) , antonio la legname (16th century). special interest held chapel of sacrament (late 16th century), scenic decorations , 14th century mosaics. bell tower holds 1 of largest astronomical clocks in world, built in 1933 ungerer company of strasbourg. belfry s mechanically-animated statues, illustrate events civil , religious history of city every day @ noon, popular tourist attraction.
the sanctuary of santa maria del carmelo (near courthouse), built in 1931, contains 17th-century statue of virgin mary. see chiesa del carmine.
the sanctuary of montevergine, incorrupt body of saint eustochia smeralda calafato preserved.
the church of santissima annunziata dei catalani (late 12th–13th century). dating late norman period, transformed in 13th century when nave shortened , façade added. has cylindrical apse , high dome emerging high tambour. noteworthy external decoration of transept , dome area, series of blind arches separated small columns, reflecting arabic architectural influences.
the church of santa maria degli alemanni (early 13th century), formerly chapel of teutonic knights. rare example of pure gothic architecture in sicily, witnessed arched windows , shapely buttresses.


the giants mata , grifone, stories told city, brought around messina during second week of august


civil , military architecture

the botanical garden pietro castelli of university of messina.
the palazzo calapaj, example of 18th-century messinese architecture survived until 1908 earthquake.
the forte del santissimo salvatore, 16th-century fort in port of messina.
the forte gonzaga, 16th-century fort overlooking messina.
the porta grazia, 17th-century gate of real cittadella di messina , domenico biundo , antonio amato, fortress still existing in harbour.
the pylon, built in 1957 twin located across strait of messina, carry 220 kv overhead power line bringing electric power island. @ time of construction, 2 electric pylons highest in world. power line has since been replaced underwater cable, pylon still stands freely accessible tourist attraction.
the san ranieri lighthouse, built in 1555.

monuments

the fountain of orion, located next cathedral, built giovanni angelo montorsoli, student of michelangelo, in 1547.
the fountain of neptune, looking towards harbour, built montorsoli in 1557.
the senatory fountain, built in 1619.
the 4 fountains, though 2 elements of four-cornered complex survive today.

museum

the galleria d arte contemporanea di messina, hosting notable paintings caravaggio , antonello da messina.




^ http://www.regione.sicilia.it/bbccaa/dirbenicult/musei/musei2/engarmessina.htm
^ regione siciliana assessorato beni culturali . regione siciliana. retrieved 5 april 2011.