Antique structures located in Taormina are of huge historical value. The oldest building is the Greek Theater (Teatro Greco). It was erected shortly after the founding of the first settlement, in the 3rd century BC. As it was found out by scientists, more than two thousand years ago on the site of the theater there was an impressive limestone mountain, which was literally moved by the locals before the construction began. During the reign of the Roman Empire, the theater was used as a venue for gladiatorial games. Being the second largest theater in Sicily, it can accommodate more than 10,000 spectators at one time.
Taormina is famous for its amazing historic hotels, the atmosphere of which is unique and attractive. One of the most prestigious hotels in the resort is San Domenico Palace occupying a …
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The Roman Odeon (Odeum), an architectural monument of a later period, has been preserved in the city. The miniature indoor theater can accommodate up to 200 people. In ancient times, structures of this kind were used for holding solemn events and musical performances. Another interesting Roman monument is the Naumachie (Naumahiya), a historic basin of impressive size that had been also used for gladiatorial fights. The basin's diameter is more than 120 meters, and the depth is about 5 meters. During the tour, in the wall, you can see nicely preserved niches that once contained statues.
Besides amazing ancient buildings, Taormina is rich in beautiful medieval monuments. Fans of excursions should definitely see the city's main religious landmark - the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Dom San Nicolò). It was built in the beginning of the 15th century on the site of an old destroyed church, which bore the name of Nikolaos the Wonderworker. In front of the spectacular cathedral, there is an equally spectacular square with an old baroque fountain built in 1635. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
The picturesque resort town of Taormina is one of the oldest on the Sicilian coast. The first mention of the Greek settlement of Tauromenion dates back to the 4th century BC. According to …
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Another outstanding 15th-century monument is the Church of St. Augustine (San Agostino Church). The history of its appearance is very symbolic: during the early Middle Ages, the plague struck the city, and soon after its end local residents decided to build a beautiful Gothic church. The building existed in its original form until the beginning of the 18th century. During a large-scale reconstruction, the appearance of the church has changed significantly. Today, the beautiful building with preserved Gothic elements houses a city library.
A true example of the Baroque style is the Church of St. Pancras named after the patron saint of Taormina. Built in the 16th century, it houses many unique frescoes. It is noteworthy that the church was built on the ruins of an ancient temple. The most curious travelers should definitely climb to the top of Mount Tauro and see the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rock (Madonna della Rocca
). It can be safely called the most unusual religious landmark - the Madonna della Rocca was carved right in the rock, its construction was completed in 1648.
Undoubtedly, the main entertainment of visitors to the picturesque resort is beach recreation. You can also diversify leisure activities by walking, visiting attractive shops and …
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Taormina is also famous for its amazing architectural sights, there are many spectacular palaces and villas here. One of the most interesting of them is Corvaja Palace (Palazzo Corvaja
), whose appearance is an amazing mix of Byzantine, Arabic and Norman styles. Not less attractive is the Palace of the Dukes of Santo Stefano(Palazzo Duca di Santo Stefano
), whose age is more than 600 years. At present, the completely restored palace is used for holding cultural events, and some of its premises are converted into a museum acquainting visitors with the work of the great sculptor Giuseppe Mazzullo.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Taormina and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Taormina and surroundings
Taormina - guide chapters
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