Beauty and culture meet in Taormina. This is why you’ll fall in love with the city at first sight.

Its story began in the fourth century when Greek colonists survived the massacre of Naxos in 403 B.C and decided to settle on the nearby hill that was shaped similar to a bull, hence the name given to the settlement: Tauromenion.

Like many other Sicilian cities, Taormina was a Greek city, then annexed to the Roman empire then subsequently the Byzantine Empire and the Normans. Over the centuries, the city has experienced flourishing times and dark ages. Its beauty was rediscovered in the nineteenth century thanks to travellers on the Grand Tour.

Between the two doors of the city runs Corso Umberto, full of shops and monuments. It will delight your eyes and satisfy your desire for beauty and window shopping.

Along this street you come across piazza Duomo with its “Quattro Fontane” (Four fountains) and the Cathedral dedicated to St. Nicolò di Bari.

Another door marks the entrance to piazza IX Aprile: “Porta di Mezzo”, or the Clock Tower, that was part of the medieval walls. From the square you can take in the beautiful view: overlooking Etna, the Bay of Naxos and the Theatre of Taormina. Do not forget to visit the church of St. Giuseppe and the St. Augustine’s church which was extended and turned into a convent.

Continue your walk and admire Palazzo Corvaja with the central body of the building that belongs to the Arab period, built on the ruins of an ancient Roman forum and still bearing the signs of other architectural alterations by other dominations over the centuries.

You will notice the remains of different eras even in other structures: the Palace of the Dukes of S. Stefano, in Sicilian Gothic art style, or the Odeon, built by the Romans on the ruins of an ancient Greek temple.

A visit to Taormina would not be complete without a stop at the Greek Theatre, second in size only to the one in Siracusa. The view of the Ionian Sea, Etna and the beauty of the Greek-Roman architecture will make your visit unforgettable. Whether you arrive in the morning, attend events or evening concerts, you will remember this great experience for a long time to come.