Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico), Messina

As both a current and historical art piece and functional device, Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico) offers quite the show at noon every day. At that time, the belfry’s mechanically-animated statues illustrate events from the civil and religious history of the city. Constructed in 1933 in Strasbourg, this clock measures up as perhaps the largest of its kind in the world. Repairs of such a complex machine proved quite expensive, and the bell tower no longer creates the sound in the original, mechanical way. You can climb the steps and understand more about the mechanism. Signs are in English. Show up early if you’d like to sit during the show. See Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico) and all Messina has to offer by arranging your trip with our Messina itinerary planner.