Messina, on a bay at the NE. corner of Sicily; is a very ancient city, but rebuilt after the earthquake of 1783; has a 12th-century cathedral, two old castles, and a university, founded 1549; it manufactures light textiles, coral ornaments, and fruit essences; its excellent harbour encourages a good trade.
Population (circa 1900) given as 78,000.
Definition taken from The Nuttall Encyclopædia, edited by the Reverend James Wood (1907)
Messiah * Messina, Strait of