During the Sicilian revolution of independence of 1848, Cannizzaro served as an artillery officer at Messina and was also chosen deputy for Francavilla in the Sicilian parliament; and, after the fall of Messina in September 1848, he was stationed at Taormina.
Francavilla Angitola borders the following municipalities: Curinga, Filadelfia, Maierato, Pizzo, Polia.