Tusa is a town in the province of Messina, set in a hilly area where the ancient halaesa was founded in 403 b.C. by Archonides, the tyrant of Herbita. The city prospered under the Roman period and was destroyed with the Arab domination of the island. The modern town was probably founded by refugees from the destroyed city. It became a feudal town, belonging to the Ventimiglias, the Torres and the Brancifortes.
The historic center is characterised by a typical medieval aspect, perched on the hill. Here we can find the most important monuments of the town, from the architectural and historical point of view, such as the Mother Church, where it is possible to admire to statues by Scipione Li Volsi, a XVII century artist born in Tusa, a picture by Alonso Rodriguez, a painter from Messina, a XVII century carved wooden choir and a statue from the Gagini's workshop. The bell-tower is set on the opposite side of the square, because it was originally a medieval tower.
The Church of San Nicola with its belfry with majolica spires is interesting too.