Culture

Donated in 1806 to the City of Taormina from Ferdinand I of Bourbon, the beauty and charm of Isola Bella have led it to be considered one of the symbols of Taormina. Along with “Villa Caronia”, it is part of the Regional Natural Museum. … read more

The main street of Taormina is dedicated to Umberto I of Savoy. Bordered by Porta Messina and Porta Catania, it shows buildings belonging to styles from different eras. … read more

The Duomo Square of Taormina houses the Cathedral and a fountain. The latter, which stands at the center of the square, consists of two basins above which stands a statue depicting the emblem of the city: the centaur biped with a female bust. … read more

The Church of St. Joseph stands in the Piazza IX Aprile, next to the Clock Tower. A double ramp fenced with carved Siracusa stone balustrade leads to the parvis, where the big central portal in marble of Taormina in different colors is. … read more

Built in the twelfth century, the Church of the Madonna of the Rock takes its name from the peculiarity of being built and carved in the rock. It is a place of pilgrimage where every third Sunday of September the Madonna della Rocca is celebrated. … read more

Once acropolis of Taormina, its derives from the Norman castle and the shape of the rock on which it stands, similar to a “mola di pietra” (that is the millstone). Thanks to its beauty, it is today a member of the club “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”. … read more

The Church of SS. Peter and Paul, located near the Arabian necropolis, was probably built in the Byzantine era on the ruins of a Greek temple. The church is reputed being the oldest Christian church in Taormina; it hosts the statue of St. Pietro. … read more

The construction of the Anglican church, completed in 1922, is dedicated to Saint George and was built by Sir Edward to assign it to the British community established in Taormina. On the main façade you can admire the Siracusa stone portal. … read more

The church of Varò dates back to the fifteenth century but a crypt inside the church hints that the Church has more ancient origins. It hosts the statue of the Madonna Addolorata and a beautiful fresco depicting the triumph of the Cross. … read more

The Church of St. Catherine was built in Baroque style in Taormina pink marble in the first half of 1600 on the ruins of the Odeon. Inside the church, there is the marble statue of St. Catherine and are still visible the Greek-Roman ruins. … read more

Built in the thirteenth century on the ruins of an existing church, the Cathedral is dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari. The “Fortress Cathedral” has a simple structure full of exterior fortification elements typical of medieval buildings. … read more

The church of St. Anthony, patron saint of animals, was built in 1330. Its façade has architectural elements belonging to different age; influences of Gothic art, elements of baroque and Byzantine unite around the splendid portal. … read more

Taormina Saracen Castle is situated on the rock of Mount Taurus; it is possible to get to it through a staircase carved in the rock. As for the tradition, this ancient castle dates back to the Arab period and its main characteristic was the invicibility. … read more

A few kilometers from Taormina is Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily (its origin dates back to 735 BC). In the city and in the archaeological museum of Giardini Naxos there are many evidences of the Greek population’ influence. … read more

Built in the second century AD, people believed that the monument was a stage intended for naval battles. Actually the building is a monumental fountain with waterworks. Its structure was used as a foundation for modern homes. … read more

The Odeon is a small theater built in the second century AD on an oldest Greek temple, now hidden by the Church of St. Catherine. The theater, built in Roman times, hosted the musical and literary events intended for the elite of the city. … read more

Oldest and best preserved monument of Taormina, the Greek Theatre is located on a panoramic spot from which you can admire Etna and the Ionian Sea. The Greek Theatre, the second of Sicily for dimensions after that of Siracusa, has emerged on the international scene as unique and fascinating setting for awards and cultural events. … read more