Visit Taormina, "the pearl of the Mediterranean"
A timeless beauty that fascinates the whole world
One of the most well-known and renowned centers and an unmissable stop is definitely Taormina. In relatively little space, if we want to say so, Taormina has an immense archaeological and cultural heritage. In addition to being an elegant and refined town, Taormina impresses with its privileged position on a cliff overlooking the sea from which you can admire the beaches and the breathtaking view.
Its narrow streets are picturesque and it is a real pleasure to stroll through the characteristic streets where time seems to stand still. There is a wide choice of restaurants and bars where you can taste typical Sicilian dishes or refresh yourself with an original “Granita”. Precisely for its beauty and uniqueness Taormina has also been chosen as a set for various films by international directors such as for example “Le grand bleu” by Luc Besson, “The little devil” (orig. Il Piccolo Diavolo) by Roberto Benigni, “The godfather-part III”; of Francis Ford Coppola and Woody Allen’s “The Goddess of Love” to name a few.
Greeks, Romans and Arabs; A mixture that still resists today
Taormina is a concentrate of artistic and historical beauties not to be missed. Founded in 358 BC by the Greeks, Taormina is part of the oldest Greek colonies in Sicily. In fact, the most important monument in the city dates back to this period, namely the “Teatro Antico” (Ancient Theater). Taking advantage of the hillside position, the theater offers a magnificent view of the Sicilian Ionian coast viewing until Calabria and mount Etna with its summit in the background.
Later the city passed under the domination of the Romans who elected it as the capital of eastern Sicily and therefore of strategic importance for the Eastern Roman Empire until the arrival of the Arab domination which lasted from 902 to 1079. After that there was the domination of the Normans and the Spanish.
Events, Concerts and a lot of history to discover
One of the main reasons is certainly the Greek Theater, the Romans used to organize summer performances such as gladiator games. Today, given its extraordinary and suggestive location, it hosts numerous events and concerts. From “Corso Umberto” the main street, where you can stop in one of the many bars or go shopping exclusive you will reach “Piazza Vittorio Emanuele” where you can visit the Museum of Sicilian Arts and Traditions. Reaching the church of “San Nicola” built in 1400 there is “Piazza Duomo”, the meeting place of Taormina where there is also beautiful Baroque fountain.
A special mention goes to the suggestive “Villa Comunale” of Taormina, you will be enchanted by the colors and the beautiful view that this place will give you. Lady Florence Trevelyan Cacciola, a Scottish noblewoman, passionate about botany, had it built specifically around 1884 by planting plants and flowers from all over the world.
What are you waiting for to visit this pearl of the Mediterranean?