Taormina, is a picturesque city and one of the most beautiful and touristically attractive cities, in Italy.
This city lies on the shores of Sicily and was a favorite spot for famous artists and travelers. Thanks to its location on a rocky promontory and its breathtaking view of Mount Etna, this town is more than popular among tourists. Taormina has a beautiful historic center, with narrow streets and significant palaces. Besides the monuments, the city will offer you sunny beaches and a summer movie festival. Set off to Taormina with this list of the ten best things to do.
1. Etna Volcano
Mount Etna, is the highest active and the second largest volcano in Europe and is the greatest natural attraction of Taormina. The current height of Etna is an unbelievable 3,329 meters (10,922 feet) above sea level. Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is constantly changing. It attracts thousands of tourists a year for its spectacular views and you can take advantage of the various tours that offer a range of excursions from sunrises to sunsets, above the volcano. And despite the activity, you will still be able to get to a rather high position. Etna is a natural phenomenon that worth seeing, at least once in a lifetime. The closest city is Catania which is around one hour from Taormina.
2. Palazzo Corvaia
Pallazze Corvaio is a medieval palace, built in the 14th century. The palace bears the name of a wealthy and important family that lived in Taormina. The Family Corvaio held the palace from the 16th to the 20th century. The courtyard of the Moorish-Gothic palace is lined with four main staircases. The beautiful main façade is decorated with motifs illustrating the Creation. Today, the palace is used as an exhibition center.
3. Ancient theater of Taormina
This ancient theater is a significant monument of Taormina. Originally a theater, it was built for musicals and dramatic performances. Later, in Roman times, it was used for games and gladiatorial battles. The theater is constructed in various parts: the cavea, the orchestra, the portici, the access stairs, and the scene. The scene is the most important part of the theater. Unfortunately, only part of the original structure, has remained. The ancient theater is a remarkable piece of architecture, intertwined with a long history. With its wonderful surroundings and incredible views, it is one of the most beautiful sights in Sicily
4. Duomo di Taormina - Cathedral of Taormina
The Cathedral of Taormina is located close to the port of Taormina. It dates back to the medieval era of the 13th century and is dedicated to St. Nicholas, of Bari. The cathedral was later rebuilt several times. The important symbol of the facade is the rose window, made of stone. One of the oldest and most prestigious pieces of art, inside the cathedral, is the Byzantine Madonna. It’s an oil painted picture of the Madonna, layered with silver and interlaced with precious stones. In 1980, the cathedral was dedicated as a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II. Between the years 1945 to 1948, the entire cathedral was reconstructed by the architect, Armando Dillon.
5. Porta Catania
Porta Catania was constructed in 1440. The gate borders the south side of the main street of Taormina, the Corso Umberto. Together, with the adjacent square, the gate used to be the main meeting place for the public, during the Norman age. A public meeting was always held at 1 pm and because of this, people called this square the Porta del Tocco, or the Gate of Touch. Behind the wall, you will find the central point of Taormina, with its picturesque streets, restaurants and cafés.
6. Palazzo Ciampoli
Pallazzo Ciampoli is a major house built in the Catalonian style. The construction dates back to 1412, as is carved above the main door. The Palazzo Ciampoli belonged to the family of the same name until it was bought by the Sicilian region. It stands majestically, right in the historic center of the city and thus is one of the city’s most famous buildings. A few years ago, the building was used as a famous nightclub of Taormina. Nowadays they are restoring it to bring Ciampoli back to its original form.
7. Corso Umberto
The Corso Umberto is the central street in the city of Taormina and it runs from the Porta Messina to the Porta Catania. The picturesque street is filled with many restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops, intertwined with history and beautifully restored historic houses. The Corso Umberto is a favorite place to hang out, especially in the summer months, when it attracts the tourist crowds. It’s a great option for dining and a beautiful walk through the city. This lovely place should not be missed, when visiting Taormina.
8. Piazza IX Aprile - The IX April Square
A delightful square in the center of Taormina, the Piazza IX Aprile is situated on the Corso Umberto. The characteristic feature of the plaza is its black-and-white paving. The square is built in the form of a huge terrace from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Ionian sea and Mount Etna. The main monuments that stand on the square are St. Augustine’s Church and the Church of St. Joseph. Lined with cafés, the Piazza IX Aprile is a great place to stop by for a cup of coffee and to enjoy the unique ambiance of Taormina.
9. Chiesa di San Pancrazio
The Chiesa di San Pancrazio is a beautiful church, built in the 18th century. It is built in the gothic style, and is located outside the city walls. It was dedicated to San Pancrazio, former Bishop, and Patron of Taormina and it stands on the ruins of an old Greek building, which was built for the ancient god, Jupiter. The church is open for occasional reasons, and it’s a popular place for romantic weddings.
10. San Giuseppe - The Church of St. Joseph
St. Joseph church, built in the early 17th century, majestically stands on the central IX April Square. The Church shows typical baroque architecture and the main facade features a lot of religious and historic art. Inside the church, you can find statues, which are a bit unusual and also a beautifully adorned, pink marble fountain. This is one of the most important landmarks in Taormina and worth your attention, especially if you are in the square.
Read also: Top 10 things to do in Viena
from : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-taormina-italy-706289.html
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