Associazione Culturale by Fragranza di Sicilia
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Via Tommaso Fazzello 6B-C
Taormina ME 98039, Italy
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What to see in Taormina
The ideal way to explore Taormina is to wander through the side streets and stumble upon the charming staircases and breath-taking hidden gems. However, for those who are uncertain about where to begin, we have listed some of the key attractions in town.
Check out our photo gallery for a sneak peek, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
Piazza IX Aprile is a large panoramic spot located in the very center of the historic town of Taormina. It's considered the heart of Taormina due to the central location and amazing mix of architecture all around. You can find most of the crowds here, so it's a perfect place to people-watch. You can grab an aperitivo at one of the famous bars or cafes and enjoy the view as people walk by. The piazza also features a few churches, including the Church of San Giuseppe, which is a Baroque-style church built in the late 1600s to the early 1700s. The church has an art-filled interior decorated with stucco work from the eighteenth century. The other church, which you will find in the piazza, is the Church of Saint Augustine. The church was originally built in 1486 as the Gothic-style Church of San Sebastiano. In the 1530s, the church was given to the Order of Saint Augustine, and its dedication was changed. The entire complex was restored in 1981, and since 1985 it has been used both as a library and as a multipurpose space for art exhibitions and cultural events. To this day, it is still used as an exhibition space..
Ancient Theatre of Taormina, dating back to the 3rd century BC, is one of Taormina’s most iconic sights, with breathtaking views over the sea and Mount Etna. Tickets cost €9–16, and in summer the theatre comes alive with concerts and June film festival screenings. It typically opens at 9:00 AM and closes about an hour before sunset (hours vary by month). You can book your ticket and see additional information here.
* prices may vary depending on seson or material on exhibition
Known as the Main Street of Taormina, Corso Umberto cuts through the very heart of this ancient city. Starting from the Arch of Porta Catania (South) it runs for approximately 800 meters until it reaches the Arch of Porta Messina (North). Corso Umberto is where you will find the pulse of this city. As you stroll along the narrow street you will be able to see much of the ancient history, the art, and influences of many past dominations (Arab, Norman, Greek, Roman, etc.) as well as the very exclusive shopping in Taormina, the boutiques, and restaurants.
Trevelyan Park, Villa Comunale of Taormina, was built in the mid-19th century at the request of Lady Florence Trevelyan. She was an English noblewoman who was raised at the court of Queen Victoria and was the cousin of her grandmother, Lady Maria Wilson. Lady Florence was the daughter of wealthy parents, Edward Spencer Trevelyan and Catherine Ann Forster. In 1879, she began her long journeys through Europe and North Africa, but in February 1884, she was exiled from England on charges of having an affair with Queen Victoria's firstborn, the future King Edward VII, who was already married to Alexandra of Denmark.
Following her exile, Trevelyan settled in Taormina, where she married the mayor Salvatore Cacciola on July 13, 1890. Together, they purchased 87 lots of land and some old houses, which they razed to the ground to create the current Public Garden. Lady Florence died in 1907 and was buried at the top of Monte Venere, where she spent the last years of her life.
Trevelyan Park is a historic garden that covers an area of 22,400 m², with a length of 280 m and a maximum depth of approximately 70 m in the central part. The most interesting architectural elements of the Villa Comunale of Taormina are the ‘Victorian Follies’. These are eclectic-style buildings inspired by oriental architecture. Lady Florence designed and created them between 1890 and 1899, and they are also known as "the beehives" due to their particular shape. She used the Victorian Follies as a bird-watching station.
Although not located in the heart of Taormina, Chiesa della Madonna della Rocca is well worth a visit—if not for the church itself, then for the breathtaking views along the path that leads to it. The trail begins on Via Crucis, also known as Salita Castello, just off Via Circonvallazione. This “Way of the Cross” depicts the events of Christ’s Passion, offering both a spiritual and scenic journey.
According to modern accounts, Monsignor Giovanni Di Giovanni recounts that the church was founded around 1640 by Abbot Francesco Raineri.
Yet, historical records suggest an earlier origin: the 12th-century Arab geographer Edrisi notes that the sanctuary was built at the behest of the court of Roger II, the first Norman king of Sicily. This indicates that the church of Santa Maria della Rocca may indeed date back to the 12th century, with Raineri later restoring and rebuilding it after more than five centuries of neglect. He is also believed to have added a small monastery, which has long since fallen into abandonment.
Near the edge of the clearing by the church stands a large reinforced concrete cross, erected in 1930 during a mission by the Redemptorist Fathers. Facing east toward Taormina, it is illuminated at night, making it visible from every direction.
What's to see?
Take a peek at our gallery...
Here is just a sample of what you can find in Taormina. But if you have special interest and are looking for something specific, tell us about it!
