Taormina
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On a spectacular site on Monte Tauro, with views of the rocky coastline, the blue-green sea and the breathtaking Mount Etna, Tauromenium was founded in 304 BC as a colony of powerful Syracuse. The town endured a typical Sicilian history, falling first to the Romans, then to the Arabs, Normans and Spanish. However, during the 1800s it became an obligatory stop on The Grand Tour and life changed forever – Taormina has been host to foreign visitors ever since and, unlike much of the island, is well equipped to cater to them. The plethora of hotels, restaurants and shops, as well as beaches and manicured gardens, makes it Sicily’s most popular holiday destination.
Reach Mazzarò via a steep path with steps or take the funivia (cable car) from the station in via L. Pirandello.
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1. Greek Theatre
1. Greek TheatreCarved out of the hillside, the theatre seen today was refurbished by the Romans in the 1st century AD. They sacrificed some of the seats and part of the stage to make a circular arena to accommodate gladiator games.
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2. View and Acoustics
2. View and AcousticsThe Greeks designed the theatre in the 3rd century BC, with the spectacular view forming a backdrop to their plays. Praised for its acoustics, from the top you can eavesdrop on fellow visitors at stage level.
View of Taormina
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3. Corso Umberto I
The people of Taormina make their passeggiata (nightly stroll) here on the Corso, beginning at Porta Messina and crossing several lively piazzas towards the end at Porta Catania. Enjoy the plentiful bars, gelaterie , shops and crowds.
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4. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
This piazza boasts the Palazzo Corvaja, an architectural hybrid of Arab, Norman and Catalan Gothic elements (now a tourist office), and the Santa Caterina church backed by Roman ruins.
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5. Piazza IX Aprile
5. Piazza IX AprileOn this lovely square you are spoilt for choice between the sea views and people-watching at the many outdoor cafés. The Wunderbar plays live music in the evenings.
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6. Borgo Medievale
6. Borgo MedievaleThe clocktower is the gateway to the medieval part of town. The Corso is narrower here, and while the shops are the same mix of clothing and souvenirs, the shopfronts have kept their medieval character.
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7. Piazza del Duomo
The Baroque fountain in the piazza bears a centaur, the symbol of Taormina, here atypically female. The 13th-century Chiesa Madre, dedicated to San Nicolò, has six ancient marble columns and a tree of life relief carving.
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8. Giardino Pubblico
8. Giardino PubblicoWith views down to Giardini Naxos (see Giardini-Naxos), the well-tended public gardens have palm and banana trees, birds of paradise, exotic plants, a monument to Taormina’s sailors and many whimsical buildings.
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9. Castelmola Walk
From via Circonvallazione take the “Salita Castello” path to the summit of Monte Tauro to enjoy the views and the medieval castle ruins.
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10. Mazzarò Walk
10. Mazzarò WalkBelow Taormina are beaches, grottoes, coves and the tiny Isola Bella , attached to the coast by a strip of sand.
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