Sicilia: Taormina

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The setting of Taormina is gorgeous.....above the sea, facing Mount Etna, lush gardens, bright sunshine, sandy beaches — tropical — beautiful. It's a chic resort town with more than just resort facilities (a great touring town). The main street in town is the Corso Umberto — this street is lined with shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and other lovely diversions — it truly is the heart of town. If
you start at the beginning of Corso Umberto, you'll reach the Piazza 9 Aprile (about half way down the Corso) where you'll be rewarded with a public terrace with views, a small church, a biblioteca and a clock tower (cafes are on the opposite side of the street). As for sights, the Teatro Greco is fabulous and was built in the 3^rd century by the Greeks and rebuilt later by the Romans. The views from here are wonderful too (it doesn't get any better). The gladiators were here and you can well imagine just how fantastic the theatre was.....head next to the Giardino Pubblico to admire the views, the flowers and the peace (take a picnic or snacks). In the town center, head to the Odeon, a Roman theater in ruins. The duomo, on Piazza del Duomo is a 15^th century Gothic cathedral (imposing and plain). There's also a beautiful 12^th century Baroque fountain in this piazza — thoroughly charming. Be sure to check out the Palazzo Corvaja on the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. This palazzo was built by Arabs in the 11^th century (crenellated faÐade) and has some fine paintings inside. The Palazzo Duca Di Santo Stefano is a 14^th century building with Sicilian Gothic architecture and modern sculptures. The Castello ruins lie on the top of Monte Tauro and from here there are great views. Wednesday is market day in Taormina.

An extra stop (while in Taormina) should be made in Castelmola. This town lies just north of Taormina and has views beyond belief! It's a small village with a few shops and restaurants. At the top of town is a 13^th century ruined castle. Just down from the main square is the pretty duomo (shops along the way) and piazzetta. I thoroughly enjoyed this small town.