The bell tower and clock of the Messina Cathedral is definitely something you should see when visiting Messina. The cathedral’s original tower was destroyed by an earthquake and was rebuilt in 1933 as an astronomical clock. It is said to be the largest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock in the world. Every day at noon, the statues on the astronomical clock come to life as the show begins. As the bells chime, the lion roars, and the rooster crows; the statues strike the hour, and the carousel's mechanical figures play out biblical scenes. A real spectacle that lasts 12-15 minutes. In addition to watching the show, you can also tour the inside of the bell tower and view the different mechanisms that operate the statues at each level. At the very top, you get a beautiful view of the entire city. Watching the show at noon is free. Climbing the bell tower cost 5 euros. (PaM)

Rebuilt in 1933 after it was destroyed in the earthquake, this houses the largest astronomical clock in the world. You can climb to the top of the 60m tower but the thing you mustn't miss if the display at 12 noon each day. The bells ring, the lion roars and the cock crows and the figures act out biblical and allegorical stories. The spectacle lasts about 15 minutes and it's definitely worth watching.

It is a really beautiful tower with amazing view. If you can only visit one thing, this should be it. Also, the calendar/click is super interesting. As you climb the tower, they explain everything on info posters. We climbed it with a 5 years old boy, he really liked it as well.

Visited the square to see the clock tower at 12 noon. Beautifully embellished tower. At 12 o’clock noon there is a 12 minute display of important happening in the history of Messina. We’ll with a visit. Nothing else of interest in the City - disappointed with the visit.