Taormina is an extremely picturesque town on the east coast of Sicily. For a small town it has several important tourist attractions. Thanks to its location on a hill, the city also offers a magnificent panorama of the volcano Etna and the Sicilian coastline.
Top 10 tourist attractions Taormina
01. Greek Theatre
Taormina’s Greek amphitheater is carved into the hillside and is currently used for performances during the summer months. It was built in the 3rd century BC. As everywhere else in the city, the experience is even better thanks to the incredible view.
02. Corso Umberto I
The Corso Umberto I is Taormina’s main street. Being the central street of a tourist city, it is of course flanked by many stores and cafes. The Corso is punctuated by a number of pleasant little squares. Of these, the Piazza XIV Aprile has the best view of the Mediterranean.
03. Medieval district
The entrance to the medieval part of Taormina is formed by a gateway with a bell tower, called Torre dell’Orologio. Today this neigbourhood is characterized by narrow alleys with stores selling modern clothing, souvenirs and other trinkets.
04. Palazzo Corvaja
Taormina’s tourist office is located in a historic building called Palazzo Corvaja. The architecture of this palace shows a mixture of Arab, Norman and Catalan-Gothic influences. The building also houses the Museum of Sicilian Art and Traditions. In the square facing the building you can see ruins of a small Roman theater. The Santa Caterina Church is also located here.
05. Piazza del Duomo and San Nicola Cathedral
The San Nicola Cathedral was built in the 15th century on the remains of an already existing church. Its facade is characterized by pink columns, a rose window and a portal which was renovated in 1636. The church is located in the Piazza del Duomo. In the center of the square is a baroque fountain.
06. Regional Archaeological Museum
The Museo Archeologico Regionale is located in the Palazzo Badia Vecchia. Roman baths were formerly located in this site. The collection consists of Greek and Roman art excavated in the area.
07. Medieval Castle and Madonna della Rocca
To visit what is left of the medieval castle one must climb all the way to the top of the Monte Tauro. The panorama from this Castello Saraceno is magnificent. An additional attraction is the Madonna della Rocca Convent, built in 1640.
08. Villa Comunale
In the public gardens, besides exotic flowers and plants, you can also enjoy a beautiful view. What constitutes the Villa Comunale used to be the property of an eccentric lady called Trevelyan. The area has been property of the city since 1922.
09. Palazzo Ciampoli
The Palazzo Ciampoli is a 15th century building in the heart of the medieval district. It is a Catalan style mansion and used to be the residence of an aristocratic family. The building can only be visited in occasion of exhibitions and other special events.
10. Piazza IX Aprile
The Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina is located halfway the Corso Umberto I, the main street of the city. The most striking building in the square is the Torre dell’Orologio. The view includes the Greek Theatre, the Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna.