Taormina

Overview

Taormina is a world-renowned Sicilian city which is approximately 52 km far from Messina, in the rocky plain of Monte Tauro, steep hill overhanging the sea which overlooks the Ionian coast sits Taormina. Taormina was founded in 358 BC, the city grew considerably under the Romans control. The Arabs destroyed Taormina twice and during the Norman domination, the Taormina was actually extended.   Taormina had an extraordinary development in the twentieth century, becoming a famous international touristic destination. Landscapes in Taormina, together with the columns of Dioscuri Temple in Agrigento, the red domes of San Giovanni degli Eremiti church of the Arab Palermo and the bell tower of Messina cathedral with its Astronomical Clock, are considered the most requested tourist destination. The first thing everyone wants to see once in Taormina is the Greek theater: on its background the Etna and the sea. It was built in the Hellenistic period and was then almost completely rebuilt in Roman times. For its width, it is the second classical theater of Sicily, after that of Siracusa. From the top of its cavea and, above all, from its terraces, you can enjoy an unforgettable view.

Landmark

• The tower of the 10th century Palazzo Corvaja showing the Arabic influence
• The Duomo dates from the 13th century
• Casa Cipolla in Taormina from 15th century
• The Teatro Greco - "Greek theatre"
• Hotel Victoria at 81 Corso Umberto where Oscar Wilde stayed in 1898
• Piazza IX Aprile - Taormina's main square
• Baroque fountain of the Minotaur, from 1635
• Giardini Naxos, popular seaside resort

    Palazzo Corvaja hosted the first Sicilian Parliament in the fifteenth century and its most ancient part is the Arab tower. Near the palace is the Church of Santa Caterina, of the seventeenth century, built on parts of a Hellenistic temple. Behind this church, there are the remains of the Roman Odeon of the imperial era. Shortly before Porta Messina is the Church of San Pancrazio, built on the ruins of the Hellenistic temple of Jupiter Serapide, whose walls are still visible in the current Christian church. The Cathedral of San Nicolò is from the thirteenth century. The interior has three naves and, near the main altar, the lions and the shield of the city, also symbolized by the "woman-bull” which is as well on the Baroque fountain in the square just opposite the cathedral.