|
Greco-Roman Theater
Carved into the face of Mount Tauro in the third century BC, the theatre
boasted a seating capacity of 5,500, and thrilled audiences with its
stunning views of Mt. Etna. The Romans considerably altered the theatre,
adding a vaulted portico above the upper rows of seats and building
a massive "scena" or backdrop to host the gore of gladiators
and spectacular naval battles created by flooding the enclosed stage
with water and all manners of poisonous sea-life.
Palazzo Corvaja
This palazzo began as a Moorish watchtower at the town's northern
gate. The Normans converted the fortification into a residence in
the 12th century, and the Spanish added the Catalan Gothic facade
in the 15th century. This building now houses art exhibits and merits
attention for its architectural synthesis spanning some four hundred
years.
Corso Umberto 1
The main street of Taormina bustles with shops and cafes. Narrow side
streets invite exploration; in particular take a moment to see Via
delle Naumachie. Here we observe a large wall of arches which buttressed
a Roman water cistern. The wall now supports the weight of buildings
along the Corso above and offers an architectural cross section of
the municipal foundations.
Piazza IX Aprile
Taormina's central square is framed by the 17th century Church of
San Giuseppe, and the 15th century Church of San Agostino, now the
public library. With its panoramic views of the ocean and cliffs below,
the piazza is a popular hang out for visitors and locals alike. Join
local families in their nightly stroll, la passeggiata, where all
ages gather to visit and enjoy the refreshing evening breezes. If
you crave gelato or espresso, the café Wunderbar offers refreshment.
Palazzo of the Dukes of Santo Stefano
With its frieze of geometric motifs and arabesque windows this 12th
century palazzo showcases the splendor of the Norman court in Sicily.
Learn more about the Normans
and their legacy.
Cathedral
The interior still maintains the original 13th century Romanesque
layout, while the exterior presents an attractive Renaissance portal
from the 15th century. The piazza in front of the cathedral hosts
a baroque fountain carved in 1635. Sea horses anchor the base and
a female centaur, symbol of the city, crowns the top of the monument.
Cusini quarter
This district exemplifies the narrow winding streets favored by the
Muslims for protection from wind, sun, and invaders. Also in this
neighborhood is the early Christian church of San Francesco di Paola.
This structure dates from the 5th century AD and was the town's first
cathedral under the Bizantine rule of Sicily.
|
