Taormina Sicily - Hotels - Etna

Info Sicily - Taormina Nearest airport: Catania
Population: 11.096
Demonym: taorminesi
Patron Saint: San Pancrazio
Location: coast
Holidays in Sicily

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ask for a free quotation Hotels in Taormina centre▪ Grand Hotel Timeo 5*
▪ San Domenico Palace 5*
▪ Hotel Imperiale 5*
▪ Hotel Villa Angela 4*
▪ Hotel Monte Tauro 4*
▪ Hotel Villa Belvedere 3*
▪ Hotel Del Corso 3*

Hotels in Taormina coast▪ Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay 5*
▪ Mazzarò Sea Palace 5*
▪ Hotel Villa Sant'Andrea 4*
▪ Panoramic Hotel 4*
▪ Hotel Baia Taormina 4*
▪ Hotel Baia delle Sirene 3*
▪ Hotel Agostiniana 3* Sicily main localities Caltagirone
Taormina
Catania
Syracuse
Modica
Agrigento
Erice
Palermo
Enna P.zza Armerina
Giardini Naxos
Acireale
Ragusa
Noto
Sciacca
Mazara
Cefalù
Leonforte

Taormina gallery TAORMINA History Taormina was founded in 358 BC by the Greeks, coming from Naxos, the first Greek colony. They named the new centre "Tauromenium", that means built on Monte Tauro.
Taormina had a lot of dominations, it continued to prosper both culturally and economically with the arrival of the Normans, the Aragon's and during the Middle age many magnificent buildings have been built.
After a short period of decadence, Taormina regain its splendour thanks to Goethe' work "Travel in Italy" where he describes Taormina like a unique place. Sooner Taormina became the holiday destination for many aristocrats, intellectuals, artists, and rich north European Maecenas, that spread its inestimable beauty all over Europe.

Places to visit Taormina is centred around its main thoroughfare, Corso Umberto I. At the beginning of this charming street crossing the gate of Porta Messina, you will reach Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the site of the ancient agora. Here is the Palazzo Corvaja.
Its architecture is a sublime mix of Arab, Norman and Gothic art and includes battlements, mullioned windows and shady courtyards. At its left there is the Baroque church of Saint Catherine of Alessandria, behind the church there are the ruins of the Odeon.
From Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, you can reach the Greek Theatre. It s the second largest theatre in Sicily after the one in Syracuse. The Naumachia is an imposing brick wall of Roman origin, 122 metres long and 5metres high with niches. It was the boundary wall of a very large well or of a nymphaeum.
Keep continuing long the Corso Umberto I, you will reach Piazza 9 Aprile. Here you can admire a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Taormina, the gothic church of Saint Augustin, the 17th century Church of Saint Joseph and the Clock Tower of the middle gate. This square is the centre of the society life, crowded especially during the happy hour..
After the middle gate at before the other end of Corso Umberto I is Piazza del Duomo. Here is the Town hall and the baroque fountain where is graved the symbol of the city: a mythological figure, half woman and half Taurus. The 13th century Duomo is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, throughout the centuries many other style have been added, like some gothic and renaissance elements.
Behind the Duomo, at the end of Corso Umberto I, where is other gate of Porta Catania, there is the Palazzo dei Duchi di Santo Stefano, one of the example of the 14th and 15th century Sicilian architecture, nowadays the building houses art exhibitions. It worth a visit, the magnificent park of Taormina too. The garden was offered from an English noble woman to the city of Taormina.
Just south of Taormina is the Isola Bella, a nature reserve. This small island can be reached from the town along long groups of staircases and lanes, crossing over the National Road, down Monte Tauro 200 meters until you reach sea level where the island is connected to the land by a thin strip of sand. It is Considered the "Pearl of the Ionian", due to its wild and unspoilt beauty. It houses a rich vegetation, rare Mediterranean and exotic plants, a lot of species of birds like the Royal seagull, the Martin Pescador, the Cormorant and the Grey heron.
25kms far from Taormina is the Alcantara fluvial Park, famous for its Gorges. The erosion of river formed high basalt walls, transforming the scenery in a large canyon.

Events, Festivals and Gastronomy There are many events and festivals organized in Taormina: concerts, operas and theatre performances. Most of these events take place in the beautiful scenery of the Greek Theatre. Taormina Art, Taormina Film Festival, during when the prestigious movie award "Nastro D'argento" is assigned to the best cinematic production.
The Gastronomy of Taormina is very varied and tasty, in particular fish and sea-food dishes. Cannoli with ricotta cheese, the traditional Cassata, candied orange peels, granite and ice-creams are the sweet specialities.