Sights of Taormina - what to see. A complete guide to iconic places
02.09.2016 by Victor Komlev
Taormina is the pearl of the island of Sicily. A hackneyed phrase, but it's true!
There is something to be surprised about in Sicily; this island in the Mediterranean has never complained about the lack of tourists. Beautiful nature, a mixture of mountains and sea, wonderful gardens and volcanoes - all this is Sicily. There are many unique cities here, like or, whose streets preserve the memory of Ancient Greece and Rome, and the buildings surprise with their architectural masterpieces. But among this wealth there is one place of amazing beauty that stands out even against such a rich background. His name is Taormina.
History of the city of Taormina
Taormina is located in eastern part of Sicily, on the shore Ionian Sea. Now it is a small resort town with a permanent population of about 12 thousand people, but it has a rich history.
First settlement originated here, according to historians, in 365 BC, on the slopes of Monte Tauro. Looking ahead, it can be noted that the town is still divided into two parts. The upper one, far from the sea, is the historical center where all the ancient monuments are concentrated, and the lower one, called “Taormina Marina”, is newer, focused on beach holidays.
But let's go back to the beginning. The first builders of the settlement were exiles from the nearby Greek city of Naxos. They named their new homeland Tauromenia, in the Greek manner.
One hundred and fifty years later the Romans came to Sicily, and from 220 BC. e. they became the masters of the town. Later, after the decline of the Roman Empire, Sicily, and with it Taormina, was conquered Byzantines. They liked the city so much that they made it the capital of Sicily.
And then there was a period Arabic board, at the beginning of which ancient Taormina was almost completely destroyed. The Muslims gave the new city its name - Muisia, and left a characteristic imprint on its architectural “face”.
After the Arabs came Normans. Actually, it was under their influence that the medieval image of the city that tourists see now was formed.
For a long time, Taormina was a small provincial Italian city, until noble Europeans paid attention to it in the mid-19th century. A certain lady contributed to this Trivilyan, a noble person who had a lot of money. An enterprising Sicilian woman (by the way, of English origin) purchased several fishing huts on the coast, improved the place by laying out a beautiful park and building the first hotel for wealthy clients.
Thus began a new page of life for Taormina, which can be called “tourist”. There was a time when Taormina was called " second Monte Carlo", she was especially adored by the British nobility.
About Taormina
The city lies entirely in the zone Mediterranean climate. In short, here hot, dry summer and quite mild winter, without negative temperatures. Precipitation also occurs mainly in winter. The best months for a beach holiday are mid-spring and late autumn (especially!). At this time, the sea is quite warm, the air is not so hot, and there is not much precipitation.
The nature of Taormina is magnificent! Its steep, narrow streets climb the slopes picturesquely Monte Tauro, from the upper observation platforms there are stunning views of the distant volcano etna, to the quiet beaches located at the foot of the city, as well as to the small island of Isola Bella (“beautiful island”), as if stuck to the outskirts of the city.
Taormina, as already noted, began to attract wealthy Europeans back in the century before last. Over time, it became a place where bohemians relax. Now here you can easily meet world film and sports stars, outstanding writers, and famous musicians. In this regard, it is noteworthy that a bust of the Russian Tsar was installed in the city park NicholasII who has been here. Great Goethe called Taormina a paradise, and Maupassant- the pearl of Sicily.
The city is interesting to visiting guests for its various manifestations. You can relax here on the beach, or you can wander its streets for a long time, studying the magnificent medieval architecture. Some people will like to walk around Taormina, enjoying the unique corners of nature, while others will want to sit for a long time in countless restaurants and cafes, observing the famous atmosphere of Sicilian life.
What to see in Taormina
As in any city in Southern Italy, there are many ancient buildings, palaces, monasteries and temples. Many facades bear distinct traces of centuries, but this wear and tear does not irritate, but only gives the streets a special charm. You can easily walk around the town in half a day if you just look without going into details. If you get lost, sympathetic locals will always try to help. Like all Sicilians in general, they are talkative and hospitable.
At the very top of the city, an ancient Greek theater , built back in the 3rd century BC. Its spacious auditorium accommodated 10 thousand spectators, and was the second largest after the famous hall in Syracuse. An important feature is the fact that the theater was carved directly into the rock, and not built from stones, as is usually the case.
Well restored, it conveys well to the viewer the grandeur of the ancient structure. The top rows of the theater offer the best view of Taormina. By the way, if such a desire arises, you can get to the fire-breathing mountain from Taormina in just an hour, or even less. After all, many tourists visit Taormina precisely to see the active volcano up close.
Today, the Greek Theater still serves culture, it hosts various festivals and even plays.
Another ancient monument attracts attention in the city - roman naumachia . This was the name given to special structures for gladiator battles that staged naval battles. The diameter of this naumachia was 122 meters, and the height was more than five. And the entire giant pool filled with water! Now only one of its walls has been preserved, above which the city houses rise.
From the Greek Theater down, through the entire upper city, the main street descends - Corso Umberto (Corso Umberto). It ends at the main city gate, Porta Messina (Porta Messina). The entire length of the street is full of people, especially at the height of the tourist season. As often happens, on Corso Umberto, like pearls on a string, small picturesque squares are strung together.
Ninth of April Square (Piazza IX Aprile). This is the cultural center of the city, where there is always a lot of creative people: musicians, traveling artists, street artists. From its observation deck it is good to admire the coast and the slopes of Mount Etna. The main building of the square is the ancient Cathedral Saint Giuseppe , which is already more than three hundred years old. The square received its name due to a curious incident that occurred in the 19th century. News spread around the city that the national hero Garibaldi would arrive here on that day. Without waiting for the arrival itself, the townspeople hastened to rename one of their squares. It soon turned out that the rumor was not confirmed, but they no longer wanted to return the old name to the square.
Cathedral Square (Duomo). Its architectural dominant is Cathedral of St. Nicholas , XV century. First of all, it is known for its miraculous icon of the Byzantine Madonna. This is probably the main religious shrine of the city. The icon is considered not made by hands, because it was found by chance, under a thick layer of plaster. The Holy Fathers claim that it was none other than angels who painted the image in oil and decorated the icon with silver, although most likely the answer lies in the name itself. Apparently, the icon appeared here during Byzantium, and then the Arabs simply plastered it over.
Inside the temple, the attention of experts is attracted by the wooden beams under the ceiling, decorated with Arabic carvings. Also, the walls of the temple are decorated with paintings by the outstanding master of the Middle Ages, Antonio Giuffre.
On the same square there is a famous in the city fountain XVII century , in the Baroque style, depicting a female centaur. Watching the fountain and tourists near it, it is immediately noticeable that the water is used as drinking water, it is so clean!
The tiny street Stretto . It is so narrow that tourists love to take pictures here, with their arms spread wide and almost resting against the opposite walls of the houses.
In the old city it stands out for its pretentiousness Corvaggia Palace . It is famous for the fact that the Parliament of Sicily first began its work here at the beginning of the 15th century. The palace was built on the ruins of an old Arab fortress; now it houses the Museum of Folk Traditions and Culture of Sicily.
Always full of guests, both believers and idle tourists, a small Church of Santa Catarina, named in memory of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. It is famous primarily for its interior decoration, especially the ceiling with carved wooden balconies. Rumor has it that here Alain Delon.
Not far from the church you can see the ruins of a small Roman amphitheater.
To get from the upper, ancient part of the city to the lower, you can take a bus or the city funicular, or you can walk. This walk will take less than an hour. These areas of Taormina are significantly different from the upper, ancient ones. There are no medieval or ancient buildings here, but there are many modern hotels and cafes, as well as public gardens and cozy places to relax. Here, behind beautiful fences, are hidden the luxurious villas of aristocrats. There is a railway line through the lower town.
The landmark of this area is the ancient city Park Villa Communale , founded by the already mentioned Florencia Trivilian. The three hectares of this extraordinary park have long been called “Victorian Madness” by the townspeople.
The pearl of the lower city is considered Isola Bella , connected to the city by a narrow isthmus. However, it is much more interesting to travel to the island by cable car, the cost of which is 3 euros one way. Nowadays, the island is declared a nature reserve, although there is a beach for vacationers.
If we are already talking about beaches, it is worth noting that there are no good beaches within the city itself. There are several pebble ones, which are not very comfortable to lie on, but to get to the sandy ones you need to go to the bay, five kilometers from the city. In the bay itself, or rather, in the village on its shore, there is.
Excursions in Taormina
Of course, it’s better not just to see the sights of the city, but to go on an exciting journey with a professional Russian-speaking guide. We guarantee: it will be interesting and not boring!
Taormina is a place full of magic and charm that attracts large numbers of travelers every year. There are many attractions here: monuments, churches, beaches, alleys and narrow streets - this is what makes Taormina one of the most popular destinations in the world. Let's go over the main ones:
1. Greek Theater of Taormina
The main attraction is . This is where travelers tend when arriving in the city. It is the second largest classical theater center in Sicily, after. From here you can see magnificent views of the Ionian coast. The Taormina Theater is one of the largest in the ancient world. Divided into 9 sectors, it has a diameter of 109 m and can accommodate about 5,500 people. The perfectly preserved acoustics make it possible to organize concerts, performances, and important cultural and artistic events here today. The theater is open daily from 9ºº to 19º°. The cost of a full ticket is €8.
2. Corso Umberto I
Corso Umberto I is one of the main streets of Taormina, bounded on the north by the door of Messina (Porta Messina), on the south by the door of Catania (Porta Catania). A lively pedestrian street runs through the entire historical center of the city, where many boutiques, bars, and restaurants are located. In addition, the street is rich in historical and artistic treasures from different eras. Numerous picturesque streets, which open here and there every now and then, on both sides of the main avenue, will help you “escape” from the crowd of loud-voiced tourists.
3. Taormina Cathedral (Duomo di Taormina)
Taormina Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Nicholas (San Nicolo), was built in the 15th century and is located in the charming Piazza del Duomo. The harsh stone façade, topped with battlements and a massive bell tower, make it look like a fortress. Nearby is the original fountain, which is crowned by a female figure - a centauress, which is the coat of arms and official symbol of Taormina (the bull is a symbolic image of Monte Tauro, the female figure with a scepter and globe is the city of Tauromenius). The cathedral is open to visitors daily from 9ºº to 20ºº. The entrance is free.
4. Square 9 April (Piazza IX Aprile)
An impressive terrace with stunning views of the sea, a favorite meeting place and the center of Taormina's social life. All this is 9 April Square - the most famous in the city, with its many open-air cafes, religious and historical buildings that form the frame of the place. Thousands of tourists flock here, enchanted by the views of the sea and the bay.
On the square is the baroque church of San Giuseppe, built in the 17th century, which was once the center of the “Brotherhood of Purgatory of Souls”. For this reason, in various parts of the façade, as well as in the church itself, one can observe human figures in flames, which symbolize cleansing from sin. Also here, we find the former church of Sant Agostino, which now houses the city library, and the clock tower (torre dell’Orologio) or Porta di Mezzo, whose arch gives access to the old town.
5. Palazzo Corvaja
Among the civil buildings remaining from the Middle Ages, first of all, it is necessary to highlight the Corvaja Palace (Palazzo Corvaja), which was once the residence of the oldest noble family. The building is distinguished by a mixture of Arabic, Byzantine and Norman architectural and construction elements. The central part of the palace is formed by a square tower from the 11th century. This is the only example of Arab fortress towers preserved in Europe. You can visit the palace any day except Monday, from 9ºº to 13ºº, and from 16°° to 20°°. Ticket price €2.60.
6. Taormina City Park (Villa Comunale di Taormina)
Rich in floral and tree beauties, the city park is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. The beautiful square, named after Duke Cesaró, was originally a private park created by the will of the Englishwoman Lady Florence Trevelyan, who lived in Taormina in 1884. She created a park of exotic plants on three hectares of her acquired land, which opened to the public in 1920. The park contains trees from all over the world. In the middle of the lush vegetation stands a small temple, and next to it are Victorian-style brick houses built for bird watching. The park is located on Via Bagnoli Croce and is open in summer from 9ºº to 24ºº, in winter from 9ºº to 20ºº. Visiting the park is free.
7. Isola Bella
Located along the coast of Taormina, Isola Bella, along with, is a symbol of the city. Picturesque and charming, the small island, often called the “pearl of the Mediterranean” (La perla del Mediterraneo), is connected to Sicily by a thin strip of sand running through its central part. Until 1990, the island was private property, but Sicily bought it, establishing a nature reserve there in 2011. The island is accessible to visit any day except Monday, from 9ºº and closes 1 hour before sunset. No more than 15 people can visit the island at a time. Cost €4.
8. St. Stephen's Palace (Palazzo di Santo Stefano)
The Palace of Santo Stefano, built in the 14th century, is considered a masterpiece of Sicilian Gothic style with an admixture of Arabic and Norman elements. The building, with a massive square structure that resembles a fortress, was once the residence of a noble family of Spanish origin. Nowadays the Giuseppe Madzullo Foundation is located here, exhibiting the works of this sculptor. The palace is open to the public daily from 9³º to 12³º and from 15ºº to 18ºº. Free admission.
9. Odeon – Roman Theater (Odeon – Teatro Romano)
Significantly smaller than the famous one, the Odeon was built during the Roman Empire by order of Caesar Augustus Octavian. Designed for musical and literary performances, it could not accommodate more than 200 people. For a long time the theater remained hidden underground. It was only in 1893 that it was accidentally discovered by archaeologists.
Today it is one of the most visited attractions in Taormina. The theater is built of large clay bricks and is divided into three parts: stage, orchestra and auditorium, divided into 5 sectors. The Odeon is located next to the Church of St. Catherine (Chiesa Santa Caterina d’Alessandria), opposite the Corvaia Palace.
10. Saracen Castle (Castello Saraceno)
On the rocky surface of Monte Tauro, at an altitude of almost 400 meters above sea level, is the Castle of Taormina or Saracen Castle. Although it has nothing to do with the Saracens: according to tradition, the castle was built by the Arabs, but the exact date of construction has not yet been determined. But not only the castle itself is of interest. From here you have a magnificent view of the picturesque Alcantara Gorge.
It is not for nothing that Taormina is considered the pearl of Sicily, because here, as Guy de Maupassant wrote, there is everything that can seduce our eyes, mind and imagination: beautiful natural views, comfortable beaches and interesting historical places.
Below we will tell you how to visit Taormina in just 1 day. A large map of the city can be found in the appendix at the end of the article or.
Historic center of Taormina and Corvaggio Palace
As a rule, acquaintance with Taormina begins at the doors of Messina ( Porto di Messina ). This is a kind of gateway to the city, after passing which you find yourself in the historical center of Taormina, near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele ( Piazza Vittorio Emanuele ). This square contains the magnificent Corvaggio Palace ( Palazzo Corvaja ), which once housed the Parliament of Sicily. Now the palace houses the Museum of Art and Folk Traditions of Sicily.
Main street of Taormina Corso Umberto , square and church of St. Catherine
The main street of Taormina begins from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele– Corso Umberto , where there are squares, craft shops, shops, cafes and restaurants. It is along this street that we will continue our walk around Taormina. On the right side Corso Umberto you will see a small square - this is St. Catherine's Square ( Piazza Santa Caterina ), on which the church of the same name is located Chiesa di Santa Caterina , erected in honor of the Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria. Interestingly, the church was built on the ruins of a Greek temple dedicated to Aphrodite.
After visiting the Church of St. Catherine, we will head towards the main city attraction - the Ancient Theater ( Via del Teatro Greco , 1), which recalls the ancient Greek roots of Taormina. To get to the theater, you need to turn off Corso Umberto towards Via Teatro Greco . The theater was built in the 3rd century BC. Although only ruins remain of the former building, even from its remains one can imagine the scale of the structure - the diameter of the theater, designed for 10,000 spectators, was 109 meters. The cost of visiting the theater is 10 euros. There is a city park next to the theater. Take a walk along the cypress alleys, sit in the shade of an olive tree, enjoy the views, colors, and smells. Have you rested? On to the road!
Wine bar Arco Rosso
Next we will return to the street again Corso Umberto . If you're already hungry, you can stop at a wine bar along the way. Arco Rosso (Via Naumachie 7) to refresh yourself with soft drinks and snack on sandwiches and other cold snacks. The establishment does not boast a comprehensive menu, but the decent quality of food and service compensates for this shortcoming. Another plus is the moderate prices (which is rare for Taormina), drinks and snacks per person will cost about 7-10 euros.
Piazza 9 April and the churches of St. Augustine and St. Giuseppe
After having a snack, head further along Corso Umberto to get to April 9 Square ( Piazza IX Aprile ). Here is the small Gothic church of St. Augustine ( San Agostino ), which today is used as a library, and next door there is another small church built in honor of St. Giuseppe ( San Giuseppe ). There is also a main observation deck on the square, which offers excellent views of the bay and Etna.
Medieval quarter of Taormina
Not far from the 9 April Square you can see the gate Porta di Mezzo , which will take you to the Medieval Quarter of Taormina. You will immediately notice this place thanks to the imposing Clock Tower ( Torre dell' Orologi O). You can stroll through the narrow streets of the Medieval Quarter and buy Sicilian souvenirs in the craft shops.
The next point of our walk is the Cathedral of Taormina ( Duomo di Taormina ), located on Piazza Duomo . Built in the 13th century, the cathedral is an interesting mixture of medieval architecture and Baroque elements that were added to the original structure in the 17th century.
One of the best trattorias in Taormina - Al Duomo
Our walk through Taormina is almost complete. We reached the port of Catania, where the Old Town ends. Use the remaining time to explore the back streets of the Old Town, nearby shops, small galleries, wine bars and pizzerias. By the way, not far from the cathedral there is one of the best trattorias in Taormina Al Duomo (Vico Ebrei) eleven). You will be pleasantly surprised not only by the quality of the food, but also by the tasteful ambiance and view of the Piazza Duomo . Here you should try seafood prepared according to traditional Sicilian recipes, as well as homemade desserts. The average check will be 20-25 euros.
Have an unforgettable walk in Taormina!
The French know a lot about beauty and good rest, and the great French writers are probably the most sophisticated representatives of creative professions in this matter. Guy de Maupassant wrote in his diary: “If someone happens to spend at least one day and he asks me what needs to be seen, I will answer without a doubt - Taormina!” There is not the slightest reason not to believe the great classic of French literature: Taormina today is considered one of the most beautiful resort towns on the Sicilian coast. This is probably paradise for any restless soul - watching the surface of the Ionian Sea play in the sunset from a 200-meter height above its level.
Not just a paradise, but a quiet paradise. This is what Nabokov, Dali, Wagner, Dumas, Goethe and a dozen other classics of world art called Taormina. Interesting fact: in the arsenal of European psychiatrists of the 19th and early 20th centuries, spa treatment was the only remedy whose effectiveness was experimentally proven. Well, writers and artists - people with a fine mental organization, who often visited their offices - indulged in this very treatment with pleasure. Moreover, combining business with pleasure: for many, life in Taormina became a source of vivid impressions, which were then embodied in the unique style and grace of the paintings. The flow of inspiration is easy to explain - the city is incredibly beautiful and completely immersed in the greenery of plants and the riotous colors of flowers. Lemons, grapefruits, maritime pines, almonds, palms and cypresses almost hide countless monuments of Greco-Roman culture and medieval palaces with their foliage. However, traces of the stay of not only masters of art have been noticed in Taormina: Mikhail Gorbachev and Raisa Maksimovna, and the now actively discussed mayor of Moscow Yuri Luzhkov and his family, rested here at different times.
A huge amount of greenery and flowering plants is the main feature of the city.
Photo world.lib.ru
Taormina was founded in the 4th century BC. by the Greeks and was originally called Tauromenia. It later came under Roman rule and was then recaptured by the Arabs, who removed everything they could carry from the city. With the arrival of the Normans, who recaptured the city, quieter times came for Taormina. Only a few palazzos remind of the Middle Ages with its internecine conflicts - and even those are no longer perceived as anything other than pleasing sights to the eye. But at the beginning of the 19th century, life in Taormina changed dramatically - primarily because of the ancient ruins and the Roman Odeon. First, archaeologists and historians, and then the entire wealthy European intelligentsia, chose the city as a resort destination. Convenient beaches, excellent climate and luxurious nature of these places have turned the small town into one of the most popular executive class resorts. Such places need to be felt with your heart and seen with your own eyes - so arm yourself with a map and explore the city on foot. It is small, with a population of only ten thousand people - and should paradise be overpopulated? After all, this is a place for the elite: if you are here, then you are already lucky.
The main street of Taormina - Corso Umberto I - originates in the Piazza Sant'Antonio Abbate. Having walked along it quite a bit, we will see on the right the Cathedral built in the 15th century next to the original fountain. Its lower bowl is supported, it must be understood, by infants with faces wise from experience, and the top is crowned by an animal of an incomprehensible species. Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this is the symbol of the city - either a centaur, or a man-bull with a crown on his head. Here we build a logical chain: Taormina (formerly Tauromenia) - Mount Tauro (Monte Tauro), on which the city of the man-bull is located... It seems that since ancient times there has been a real cult of the bull (Taurus) in the city! It is even more strange that there is no longer any reference to cattle in Taormina. Probably, the heavy legacy of the Greek settlers has sunk into oblivion without a trace... However, Taormina also has another patron - St. Pancrazio, in whose honor one of the city churches was erected. It was built on the foundation of the ancient Greek Temple of Zeus, and another attraction, Palazzo Duca di San Stefano, built in the 13th century, is built on a foundation that dates back to the rule of the Arabs.
The main street of Taormina is Umberto Corso. Photo by tbg-brand. ru
A magnificent view opens from April 9 Square. A priceless canvas painted by the greatest artist who ever created - Nature! You won’t be able to take your eyes off it just like that, but if this happens, immediately “catch on” to the former church of San Giuseppe, located right against the backdrop of mountain cliffs. Today its building houses a library. You can have a snack and relax right on the square, but the prices will surprise you, and, most likely, unpleasantly. On the other hand, you need to understand: you pay not so much for the coffee, but for the surrounding atmosphere. A little to the side of the square, if you look closely, you can find the same Roman Odeon. If you were expecting something big - a variation on the Colosseum theme, for example - prepare for the unexpected. Firstly, the Odeon is very small - designed for only two hundred people. Secondly, it is located right in a residential area, in the middle of houses: an ancient Roman building, a couple of meters from which there is a balcony with an air conditioner outlet - a somewhat unusual sight.
The main attraction of Taormina is, of course, the Greek Theater (Teatro Greco). There are always a lot of tourists here, and the building itself has become a full-fledged symbol of the city, along with the mysterious man-bull. The story of its construction could well serve as an example of human stubbornness: a mountain turned out to be inappropriately located at the desired construction site. Of course, it would have been easier to move the Temple of Melpomene a little to the side - but the Greeks did not look for easy ways. They leveled the mountain to ground level, removing about one hundred thousand cubic meters of mountain limestone. The construction, befitting the efforts expended, turned out to be a success: the theater could accommodate 10 thousand spectators and is the second largest in Sicily after the Syracuse one. The flourishing of the arts continued until the arrival of the Romans, who brought their order: instead of the tragedies of Sophocles, gladiator fights began to be held on the stage. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the theater fell into disrepair and was restored only in the 19th century. Today it is still in operation and hosts concerts and festivals, including the annual Taormina Art Festival. The atmosphere of antiquity in the amphitheater has been perfectly preserved; it is slightly disturbed only by the additional rows of plastic chairs placed below the stage.
One of the symbols of the city is the Greek theater of Taormina. Photo tsvet-italy.ru
The most famous - and piquant - story associated with Taormina was the life here of Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden (1856-1931). In the 70s of the 19th century, he settled on the island of Bella Isola, where he indulged in his favorite hobby - photography. But not simple, but with obvious erotic overtones. But that wouldn’t be so bad - after all, among bohemians such innocent entertainment was always regarded as a child’s prank. However, Von Gloeden photographed naked (or semi-naked) youths reenacting scenes from Greek literature. Contemporaries claimed that the baron himself was partial to people of his own sex, but this only benefited his scandalous popularity, which instantly spread across the continent. The photographer, who has earned a controversial reputation, was visited by Oscar Wilde, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and King Alfonso of Spain. It is worth noting that von Gloeden significantly contributed to raising the standard of living in Taormina - his models were local young fishermen, shepherds and peasants, whom he paid good money for filming. If you happen to visit here, pay attention - many of the old hotels here were built with savings from photo shoots. With Mussolini coming to power in Italy, von Gloeden's works were recognized as pornography and destroyed. The few surviving works of his are distributed among the world's largest museums and private collections and are today considered classics of photography.
Silver bromide photograph from the exhibition in the Hermitage "Young Man from Taormina"
by Wilhelm von Gloeden. Photo hermitagemuseum.org
However, let’s finish with a short excursion into history and return to our days, where you can also find a lot of interesting things. Another stop on the tourist route is Villa Communale - a city park in Taormina with gushing green foliage and an architectural ensemble completely inappropriate for an Italian resort: surrounded by garden trees, you see something vaguely reminiscent of Chinese pagodas. Locals call it “Victorian madness,” and in some ways they are right: this whole miracle was created by the English aristocrat Florence Trivilian, who adored everything oriental to the point of fanaticism. The garden surrounding the original buildings covers an area of about three hectares and is fraught with a lot of interesting things: there are many exotic plants and even a cluster of dolmens.
City Garden of Taormina. Photo foto.obnovlenie.ru
Exploring the surroundings of Taormina is no less interesting than walking through the medieval part of the city. Climbing four kilometers higher along the mountain serpentine, you will find the small village of Castelmola. Here, in addition to the stunning view of Taormina and the vast expanse of the sea, there are two more interesting attractions. The first is a small but full-fledged castle to protect the settlement from external threats, the second is the Cathedral of San Nicolo Barri (Chiesa di San Nicolo Barri) built in the 17th century. And finally, as a dessert, you can taste the local almond wine - according to tourists, the best thing they have ever tasted.
How to get to Taormina
By plane
Catania Fontanarossa Airport is the closest and most convenient for tourists heading to Taormina.
How to get to Taormina from Catania airport
From Catania Fontanarossa Airport, Taormina is easily accessible by Interbus or Alibus ATM buses, which will take you to Catania train station (shuttles run every 20 minutes, from 5:00 to 24:00), from where trains go to Taormina.
The fastest way to get to Taormina from Catania airport is, of course, a taxi. In fact, in just 50 minutes a taxi will take you to your destination.
By train
The Taormina-Giardini Naxos railway station is one of the main ones on the Messina-Catania railway line.
The station was opened in 1866 and as you step off the platform you can admire the beautiful old Art Nouveau station building.
The station is located almost halfway between Messina and Catania, and all categories of passenger trains stop here.
From Taormina Train Station you can take Interbus and ASM buses to the city center. ASM buses also provide access to the areas of Isola Bella and Mazzaro.
By bus
Taormina's bus station is located on Via Luigi Pirandello. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or directly on the bus.
By car
Follow the A18 highway until the sign for Taormina (journey time from Messina is about 35 minutes, from Catania about 30 minutes).
Funicular
Taormina's funicular connects the historic city center with the Mazzarò district.
The funicular boarding takes place on Via Luigi Pirandello, 200 meters from the Porta Messina arch leading to Corso Umberto.
The Taormina cable car is the most suitable public transport to reach the sea. The cable car takes you to the beaches of Mazzaro and Isola Bella in just 3 minutes.
Taormina funicular schedule
In winter, the funicular operates every day from 8:00 to 20:00, with the exception of Mondays, when the opening is moved to 9:00. In summer the cable car is open until 1 am.
Fare price
The price of a single ticket is 3 euros. You can also purchase an unlimited day pass for €10, a weekly pass for €30 (residents, €50 tourists) and a monthly pass for €50 (residents, €100 tourists).
Where to stay in Taormina
Hotel Elios - Via Bagnoli Croci 98, 98039 Taormina, Italy
Hotel Elios is located in the center of Taormina, close to the public garden. It offers spacious rooms with air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel's lobby.
The hotel has a sun terrace with unparalleled views of Mount Etna and the Gulf of Giardini Naxos on one side, and the open sea on the other.
The rooms have a TV, minibar and private bathroom. Some rooms have sea views.
Hotel Elios is just 200 meters from Taormina's main street, lined with shops. From here there is also a road leading to the Greek theater.
Hotel Victoria - Corso Umberto 81, 98039 Taormina, Italy
Hotel Victoria offers its guests attentive, personalized service. This hotel is located on Corso Umberto I, in Taormina, just 300 meters from the Greek Theatre. The hotel's traditionally decorated rooms are air conditioned and have satellite TV.
Rooms at the family-run Victoria Hotel have wrought iron beds and natural wood furniture. Each room has a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer.
An Italian buffet breakfast is served in the Baroque dining room. Guests can enjoy cappuccino or herbal tea with freshly prepared cakes.
The staff at the Victoria Hotel offers their services 24 hours a day. Guests can recommend trips to Palazzo Duca di Santo Stefano or Palazzo Corvaia. Both of these palaces are a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Atahotel Capotaormina - Via Nazionale 105, 98039 Taormina, Italy
Atahotel Capotaormina is located on a rocky cliff surrounded by the sea below Taormina. The hotel offers stunning views of Giardini Naxos Bay and the picturesque island of Isola Bella.
The hotel building is located against the unusual backdrop of Mount Etna with snowy peaks. Each room has a balcony. Classic rooms have garden views, while superior rooms have full sea views.
Hotel Capotaormina's private beach is reached by a lift down a shaft carved into the rock. The beach and seawater pool are equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. Beach towels are provided.
A 14-person purified seawater hot tub, a gym with trainer and a beauty salon are available.
Daily newspapers are provided to guests at the hotel. There is a jewelry store on site. A garage and limited outdoor parking are available. There is a free shuttle service to and from Taormina city centre, and boat excursions can be booked in summer.
The hotel's 3 restaurants serve international, Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina - Via Pirandello 38, 98039 Taormina, Italy
The elegant and sophisticated Hotel Ariston is located next to Taormina's ancient Greek theatre, surrounded by a park with Mediterranean vegetation. It offers stunning views of the coast.
Hotel Ariston is close to the historical center and the cable car to the beach. The central bus station is also nearby.
The hotel has a number of public areas including reception, bar and swimming pool. There is live music in the piano bar in the evenings. A dance program is also offered.
The hotel has 3 restaurants offering buffet and à la carte menus. You can also enjoy grilled food.
Hotel Villa Greta - Via Leonardo Da Vinci 46, 98039 Taormina, Italy
The family-run Hotel Villa Greta is located near the center of Taormina, overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. It features a garden, free Wi-Fi in public areas and a sweet and savory breakfast.
A buffet breakfast is served each morning and includes homemade sweet and savory items.
The city center with its many attractions can be reached on foot or by bus. A shuttle service is provided to nearby beaches.
Rooms at Hotel Villa Greta are air conditioned and come with satellite TV. There is also a work desk and a private bathroom. Most rooms have a balcony.
The hotel's rooftop restaurant offers panoramic views and a variety of traditional Sicilian, international and vegetarian dishes.
Taormina is an Italian city and resort, remarkable in every sense. From a geographical point of view, it is advantageously located on the east coast of the island of Sicily. The steep hills of the Sicilian Apennines cascade down to the aquamarine waves of the Ionian Sea, creating a truly paradise for travelers and vacationers. Landscapes rich in flowers and greenery, against the backdrop of the broken silhouette of the mountains, exquisitely complement the historical sights of the city. Believe me, in Taormina you can arrange a real feast for all the receptors of the human body!
Story
The considerable age of the city, located on the slope of Mount Tauro, provides it with a rich historical past. In the 4th century BC, Greek settlers decided to settle on the picturesque shores of the Ionian Sea. This is exactly how the history of Tauromenion (Greek Ταυρομένιον) began, which later received the Latin name - Tauromenium (Latin Tauromenium). The main population of the new city were the indigenous inhabitants of the island of Sicily, the Siculi. The displaced people lost their homes during the devastating battles at the port of Naxos.
From the moment of its appearance, Tauromenion did not know a simple and quiet life. Founded by order of the ruler of Syracuse, the tyrant Dionysius the Elder, the city saw his fall at the hands of another tyrant - the Corinthian Timoleon. Moreover, the Tauromeneans came out in support of the new ruler of Syracuse. In the second century BC. the settlement was conquered by a powerful army of Roman soldiers.
In 135 BC. The first Sicilian Uprising broke out on the island. Crowds of slaves, led by the slave Eunus (lat. Eunus) and his military assistant Cleon, overthrew their masters - the Roman governors. Since the Romans bothered to bring people captured during the last hostilities to Sicily, the slaves for the most part belonged to one ethnic group - Syrian. Colossal unity and a thirst to get even with the slave owners helped Eun to raise a fairly large-scale rebellion. As a result, the east and center of the island were in the hands of former slaves. Eunus was promoted by his associates to the rank of king and received the name Antiochus.
However, the story about brave and courageous Syrians, alas, does not have a happy ending. Just 3 years later, the Romans besieged the lands conquered by Antiochus. The betrayal of one of the king's associates led to a tragic ending. The Roman consul Publius Rupilius (lat. Publius Rupilius) took the city of Tauromenion and brutally dealt with the rebel slaves. Until the beginning of our era, the city repeatedly participated in various military skirmishes. This fact constantly hampered the development and rise of the settlement, so Tavromenion remained on the sidelines.
In the 1st century AD, under the influence of the apostles Peter and Paul, most of the inhabitants of Tauromenion were converted to the Christian faith. Towards the end of the first century, the city was attacked by Arab troops, who staged an exhausting siege. The settlement and its inhabitants suffered significant damage. At these times, Tavromenion received another name, this time in honor of the Arab emir - Muizia.
Fertile lands and rich nature attracted the attention of the inhabitants of the sultry deserts. The Arabs spent a lot of effort and money in order to restore the southern part of the city. Typical Arab buildings were richly flavored with luxurious gardens and beautiful fountains. Instead of the name Muizia, the area received the name of the caliph - Almoezia.
A century later, the Normans invaded Sicily. Taking a victorious step, Roger I, the future Count of Sicily, systematically cleared the island of Arab invaders. In the person of Almoesia, Roger Altavilla met an impregnable fort, the approaches to which were blocked by numerous fortresses and a monolithic wall.
Thanks to the assistance of the Pontiff, the Normans managed to clear the city of Muslims in 1078 AD. Along with the return of the Christian religion, the true name of the settlement, Taormina, was also revived.
By the 13th century, several Catholic monasteries appeared on the territory of the city. In the Middle Ages, a Cathedral and several palaces were built for noble citizens. However, a rapid leap in the development of this area never happened. A wave of interest in Taormina arose in the 19th century on the basis of natural history that had become fashionable. European aristocrats preferred to bask under the radiant Italian sun on the beaches of the Sicilian coast. While the learned youth enthusiastically studied the remains of ancient sights: a theater from Greek times and a Roman odeon.
Goethe spoke about the beauty of Taormina, considering it the most beautiful place in the world. The English writer Herbert Lawrence (English: David Herbert Lawrence) spent 2 whole years at this Italian resort during his wanderings abroad. A controversial figure in 19th-century photographic art, Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden (German: Wilhelm Baron von Gloeden) was passionately in love with Sicily. In Taormina, the baron took many beautiful landscapes and created many clichés dedicated to the beauty of the male body. Nowadays, the city is constantly hosting various festivals and awards dedicated to art, music and cinema.
The cost of hotel rooms largely depends on the season, the level of the hotel and ranges from 50-250 euros. Keep in mind that in addition to you, many Italians also want to relax on one of Italy. We recommend looking for a suitable option 3-4 months in advance or taking advantage of a last-minute offer at the last minute (this advice does not work in July-August). We consider the most favorable time for a holiday in Taormina to be September and October, when the flow of tourists has already subsided and the sea is still quite warm. You can pre-book a room with free cancellation at special link our partner site Booking.com
