The history of this town, located in the heart of Sicily, is inextricably linked with the Greek settlement of Naxos. Many centuries ago, a flowering Greek colony lived here, which in 403 BC. e. destroyed the troops of the Syracuse tyrant Dionysius. Those who survived took refuge in the mountains, on top of Monte Taurus, where the new city grew. So it appeared on the Sicilian land of Taormina.
Sicily for centuries has been ruled by various nations. The owners of the mountain town also changed. Taormina was owned by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Spaniards, and Normans. The periods of prosperity and peaceful life were replaced by the periods of decline and devastation. The fishing village, which the ancient Romans took care of, with the advent of the Arabs, was looted and turned into a real eastern fortress. And under the Normans, the city gained a new life, the symbol of which became beautiful palaces and temples. The memory of each of these peoples is still kept by Taormina.
Modern Sicily is primarily a resort region. And Taormina is no exception. This is a picture city where the ideal atmosphere for tourists is created. Everything attracts the traveler’s eyes - elegant fountains, beautiful squares, cozy hotels, and friendly restaurants, not to mention the colorful shops selling ceramics and marzipans, which Sicily is famous for.
Taormina, the reviews of travelers about which, full of enthusiasm, have been heard for more than a hundred years, is rightfully considered the most poetic city on the island. Here they drew inspiration from Maupassant, Wagner, Goethe, Dali, Dumas, Nabokov, Akhmatov ... Attractions are everywhere. Architectural monuments of the Greco-Roman era harmoniously coexist with medieval palaces and colorful souvenir shops, and colorful Mediterranean vegetation, fragrant under the Sicilian sun, emphasizes man-made beauty.
The city is divided into two zones - the historical center and the coastal part. A funicular runs between them, after which, after exploring the architectural sights, you can go down to the sea. Luxurious hotels, equipped beaches and the waters of the warm Ionian Sea await tourists on the coast . This area is known as Taormina Mare.
Sicily for most tourists is associated primarily with beach vacations. But in Taormina, the desire to lie on the beach comes last. After all, there is so much interesting! Connoisseurs of architectural monuments are expected by the Church of Katerina of Alexandria and the Corvaya Palace, the cathedral and the ancient theater, the clock square and the Baroque fountain, the medieval chapel and the church of the patron saint of the city - St. Pankratia. Tourists are especially fond of tourists for the open Greek theater - a witness of that distant era when Taormina was just emerging. Sicily in all its glory, crowned by the cone of Mount Etna, opens before the eyes of travelers from this point of the city. Pubblico Giardino Park is also charming, with cool alleys, sculptures and intricate structures reminiscent of Chinese pagodas. In the summer, the city hosts a variety of exhibitions and festivals, including the famous Taormina Film Fest. Taormina becomes especially noisy and lively during this period.
Sicily is deservedly proud of this mountain town, which for its centuries-old history has seduced more than one hundred poets, artists, writers and ordinary travelers. Even the most sophisticated tourists are touched by its difficult history and impressive bright southern beauty.