The location of the earthquake 's epicentre is quite uncertain , with different seismologists giving locations offshore and onshore ; there is similar uncertainty regarding the 1693 Sicily earthquake . The damaged area is similar to that for the 1693 earthquake , suggesting that both the location and magnitude were similar . Intensities of X ( '' Extreme '' ) have been estimated for Catania , Lentini and Modica , IX ( '' Violent '' ) at Syracuse and Piazza Armerina and VIII ( '' Severe '' ) at Santi Pietro e Paolo and Messina . The earthquake was also felt in Calabria with a maximum intensity of VI ( '' Strong '' ) in Reggio Calabria
1693 Sicily earthquake
1693 Sicily earthquake
1169 Sicily earthquake