Taormina

 

Taormina is one of the most pleasant town in Sicily. It thrives on international tourists. The cruise ships anchor in the bay below and buses bring travelers to the town for the day. But don't let that stop you. The town is not full of the merchandise that haunts many tourist locations. You will find a town with plenty of charm. It was back in the 19th Century that Taormina became a tourist destination.

Dominated by Arabians from the 9th to the 11th centuries there are traces of architecture from differenht countries in the town. The Arabs build Saracen Castle which stands high on the rock to control the valley of the river Alcantara. The Arabs, in the 1lth century reinforced the city's defences by building, among other things, a tower which is the main part of the Palazzo Corvaja.

The Spanish, while they ruled Sicily, selected the Palazzo Corvaja to be the Sicilian Parliament.

The old Theatre pf Taormina is made with brick and most like dates from the time of Roman rule of the area. This theatre is the second margest in Sicily, with Syracuse having the largest. The theatre is used today for events.

Corso Umberto I, the main street, runs from Porta Messina to Porta Catania. Along it is a line of 15th and 19th century palazzi. There are plenty of good shops. Gelato. Restaurants. You can see also Mt Etna from the town piazza - it is a beautiful view.

One of the attractions is the Greek Theatre. It now is the place of plays, fashion shows, concerts, and cinema festivals. The Teatro Greco dates from the 3rd Century BC. It was small when originally built, and the Romans enlarged it to accommodate their own theatrical events. Great views from the theatre Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos.

The Odeon is located in the middle of the old Roman town, below Palazzo Corvaja. A small theatre, built by the Romans about 21 BC.

For a time, just before World War II, Palazzo Corvaja was a house for poor families. But after the War it was restored and in 1960 another section was added to house the local tourism offices.

At the other end of Corso Umberto I is Piazza del Duomo. The 13th C cathedral and baroque fountain are sights to see. The Duomo has a fortress-like quality

Thre is a cable car to take you to and from the seaside resorts.

We drove, and parking is is designated lots outside the centre of the city.