Sighseeing
Taormina offers a great number of entertainments. Splendid art performances at the Greek theatre, interesting painting exhibitions held in local palazzi and churces, visit the wonderful local art museums, or go shopping along the elegant and famous "Corso Umberto" with its typical music cafès and pastry shops. Great sport opportunities as well - from healthy walks in the surounding countryside to golfing at the nearby 18-holes green and enjoying the fantastic beaches for all water sports as swimming, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, or just sunbathing.
The Greek-Roman Theatre
It is an interesting fact that experts and critics still argue whether this ancient architectural masterpiece is Greek or Roman. It is the second-largest theatre in Sicily after the one in Siracusa. It is fifty metres wide, one hundred and twenty metres long and twenty metres high. Certain evidence shows that the Theatre is actually of Greek origin - the well-cut biocks below the scene of the Theatre which are a typical example of the ancient Greek building technique. But regardless of the experts' debates, this gorgeous cultural monument is worth to be seen.
Palazzo Corvaja
The Arabian dominion in Sicily lasted from the 9th to the 11th century and the Muslims remained in Taormina from the year 902 to 1079. During this period Palazzo Corvaja was built with a cubic tower as a main part. This tower reminded the Arabs of their sacred "Al Ka 'bah" which, according to Mahomet, was the first temple erected to God by Abraham at Mecca.
The Antiquarium
The Antiquarium is a small archeological museum occupying two rooms of the Antique Theatre guardian's house. Few archeological specimens has remained in this house-museum because the most of them are now in Naples, Messina and Siracusa. But there are still interesting things to be seen as for example the remains of a statue found in 1770 which is evidence that Taormina had a winner at the Oiympic Games.
Palazzo Ciampoli
Palazzo Ciampoli dates back to the beginning of the 15th century, built in the year 1412 which is encrusted on coat-of-arms above its main entrance portal. The only noticeable part of Palazzo Ciampoli is its front prospect resting on a set of wide and steep steps which act as its natural base.
The Cathedral in Piazza Duomo
The fortress cathedral was built on the ruins of a small mediaeval church around the year 1400 and is considered to be Taormina's main cathedral. It has a Latin-cross plan with three aisles. The construction is up by six monolithic columns in pink marble with foil and fish-scale decoration. The ceiling represents Arabian scenes reproduced in the carved corbels and wooden beams.
Bookmark
Print