Tusa (Messina Province) is 169 km from Messina, alt. 614 m, in the western Nebrodi, on the east face of Pizzo Taverna, area 40.9 sq km, pop. 3,605, post-code 98079, tel. 0921. Agricultural economy.
In its territory, on a hill northeast of the modern town, are the ruins of the ancient Halaesa, founded in 403 BC by Archonides, the tyrant of Herbita; the city, which prospered under the Romans and became a diocesan see in the early years of Christanity, was later destroyed by the Arabs. The modern town was probably founded by refugees from the destroyed city. A feudal town, it belonged to the Ventimiglias after 1699, and later to the Torres and Brancifortes.
The nucleus of the town has maintained its medieval aspect. The Matrice is embellished by two statues by Scipione Li Volsi.
Churches (Patti Diocese) include the following:
Links to other sites about Tusa include:
My latest book on CD is titled Sicily, Part 1 and Part 2 is now available on 2 CDs. With a file for each town (plus many other files), it relates the history of Sicily as reflected in the photos, records and festivals of its towns. It contains over 2500 text and photo files and can be ordered at CD order.
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