Messina Bell-Tower Duomo Square When the clock hits midday church bells are struck by two ten foot bronze statues representing the heroines who saved Messina during the Sicillian Vespers war. Immediately following the chimes a lion that represents the strength of the city waves his flag, wags his tail, and turns his head to face the piazza and roars three times. As if awakeded by the mighty lion, a rooster flaps his wings, raised his head and crows three times. As Ava Maria plays an angel appears bearing a letter for Madonna, who is greeted by Saint Paul and a retinue of Messinesi ambassadors, each bowing in reverence as they pass.