Taormina is a place full of magic and charm that attracts every year a large number of visitors and tourists. There are many things to see and visit in the Pearl of the Ionian Sea. Monuments, churches, beaches, alleys and narrow streets make Taormina one of the most popular destinations in the world.
We wanted to make a small selection of the 5 things you must see in Taormina. These are in our opinion the best places to visit for anyone visiting the small town of Taormina.
1. GREEK THEATRE
The Greek Theatre or Teatro Antico is surely the most important monument of Taormina and certainly can not miss in your list of things to see in the Pearl of the Ionian Sea.
The theater was built in the third century BC Greeks in a scenic location that acted as a natural boundary to the dramatic performances or music. The plant was later expanded and renovated by the Romans who used it for conducting games and gladiatorial battles.
The monument is home for several years during the summer concerts and events that become real shows thanks to the unique location that offers magic at each event.
The Theater is open daily from 09:00 until one hour before sunset.
The ticket costs 10.00 Euros, reduced ticket costs 5.00 Euros.
Discover more information about the Greek Theatre in Taormina
2. ISOLA BELLA
The Isola Bella is located in the lower area of Taormina, not far from Mazzaro. You can easily reach the area thanks to the cable car that connects the historic center of Taormina to the marina area.
The island is famous worldwide for its particular shape. Connected to the mainland through a narrow strip of sand that is covered or uncovered according to the tides, the 'Isola Bella is full of thick vegetation which is a magnificent example of Mediterranean. Particular is also the small building that is located on that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation.
The island, after having belonged to Lady Florence Trevelyan and family Bosurgi was bought in 1990 by the Region of Sicily.
The site has become in 2011 the Regional Natural Museum of Isola Bella.
You can visit the island every day except Monday from 09:00 until one hour before sunset. The cost of entry is € 4,00 per person.
Discover more information about the Isola Bella in Taormina
3.PUBLIC GARDEN
The Public Garden is the green lung of Taormina with its lush vegetation with palm trees, cactus and a large quantity of flowers.
The Villa was inhabited in the past by Lady Florence Trevelyan, who lived in Taormina since 1884. Lady Trevelyan has the distinction of public gardens. It was in fact the English noblewoman who built the victorian follies, special buildings that make the town park a unique place.
Discover more information about the Public Garden in Taormina
4. SQUARE IX APRILE
Square IX Aprile is known as the parlor of Taormina. In the square there are stylish bar with outdoor tables that invite you to stop for a coffee or for a typical granita.
The main feature and most important of the square, which has made it famous all over the world, is definitely the magnificent view enjoyed by this. A scenario that begins with the huge Etna, continues with the Bay of Naxos and get up the hill that houses the Greek Theatre.
To act as a curtain to the square there are important monuments such as the Church of St. Joseph, the former Church of St. Augustine (now the town library) and the Clock Tower.
Discover more information about the Square IX Aprile in Taormina
5. CHIESA DEL VARO’ (VARO' CHURCH)
The church, built, perhaps, in the first half of '600 was restored by Cav. Blasio Corvaja and finished by his brother Sigismund, at the beginning of the XIX century.
Inside the church is made up of a single nave, the altar is a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows in papier mache.
On the high altar there is a fresco of Tuccari of 1699. Turning behind the church, to go up on the organ meets an ancient crypt, perhaps of the early Christianity to Taormina.
Every year starts from this church one of the most heartfelt and features processions, that of Good Friday. In an almost medieval atmosphere, all dressed in black sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Sorrows, in turn lead to shoulder the launches of the Madonna and all the other with candles accompany the Madonna and varette representing Jesus' death on the old town , lit by torches on the walls.
The White Church, collected and very beautiful, is sought by the couple for weddings.
