TAORMINA, THE PEARL OF THE IONIAN SEA

Wonderfully perched on Monte Tauro, a promontory 200 meters above the sea, Taormina is most famous for its Greco Roman theatre, built in the 3rd century BC, its perfectly preserved medieval streets, restored ancient buildings and breathtaking views of the southern slopes of Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos down below. Founded by the Greeks in 735 BC, Tauromenium was conquered by the Romans in 212 BC becoming a holiday resort for consuls and patricians. This was the beginning of Taormina’s long history as a favourite holiday spot. A period of splendour started after the defeat of the Byzantine Empire by the Arabs in 962 AD and continued to prosper both culturally and economically with the Normans and the Swabians with Frederic II. In 1410 Palazzo Corvaja was chosen as the seat of the Sicilian Parliament under the Spanish Aragonese whose domination lasted till 1713. Situated at the beginning of the Corso Umberto, Palazzo Corvaja is one of the most remarkable palaces in Taormina; with his harmonious combination of buildings constructed in different styles, Arab, Norman, Gothic and Catalan, it can be considered the symbol of the town’s long and varied history. At the end of the 19th century, the town of Taormina was often included in the European Grand Tours and became a haven for the English and German upper classes. Famous artists and writers too such as Gustav Klimt, Goethe and D.H. Lawrence all sojourned, often at the Grand Hotel Timeo or at the old monastery of San Domenico Palace Hotel and were inspired by Taormina’s charms. In the fifties, with the beginning of the Film Festival the town was the place of jet set, high society and film stars. Greta Garbo, Federico Fellini, Elisabeth Taylor, Peter Ustinov and Sofia Loren were among the protagonists of this time, La Giara, a chic night-club, established in 1953 by Egisto and Chico Scimone became the favourite meeting place. Nowadays Taormina remains a popular resort although keeping its picturesque and ancient centre, its winding streets are strewn with shops, bars, restaurants and medieval palaces, the theatre is still home to all manner of events, including plays, fashion shows, concerts, and Taormina Arte whilst the coastline with its rocky coves, grottos, beaches and sea wildlife, is a favourite both for Sicilians and visitors. The charming islet of Isola Bella and the bay of Mazzarò are only three minutes away by cable car.

Castelmola, perched on a mountain-peak, with its narrow streets and alleyways, is worth a visit. From the small medieval town of one can enjoy beautiful views over the Taormina, Etna and the Ionian Sea. A liqueur made from almonds is a specialty of the town.

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