Castelmola

The name of this picturesque village, once acropolis of Taormina, 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).

Mylai, the name given to the village by the Sicilians who first settled there, has witnessed over the centuries to the passage of various dominations that, as in the rest of Sicily, have left their mark in the buildings.

Today you can still see the tracks of cisterns, built by the rulers of Syracuse at the end of 400 BC, and the walls of the Norman castle.

The village is a medieval settlement where the buildings, painted in warm colors, in Taormina stone, have street number and signs in stone and wrought iron.

Of great value is the square of S. Antonino paved in white stone and lava, from which you can admire Taormina. From the square starts the main street (Via De Gasperi), characterized by the presence of many local shops and bars where you can taste the typical almond wine.

Walking along Via De Gasperi you reach the church. This, composed of various styles ranging from Roman to Gothic, houses four marble altars and artworks of great value.

Thanks to the architectural beauty of the village, Castelmola is today a member of the club “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy“.