Perched high up on a cliff overlooking both the azure Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna, the world’s most active volcano, there is an idyllic town where the rich and famous (and many not-so-rich and not-famous) frequent- Taormina. It’s on the itinerary of tour groups and cruise lines as well as Italians from other parts of Italy who come to take in the amazing views of the coast, shop at high end shops, enjoy Sicilian cuisine and people watch.
Today we spent a leisurely day, experiencing “la dolce vita”, with a two-hour tour of the backstreets of the town, the public garden and the Greek/Roman theater. Our afternoon was free to savor the perfect weather and the beautiful surroundings.
We met our guide, Franco, at the Piazza Duomo, just outside the church which is no longer truly a Duomo as it is no longer the church of the bishop. We ventured into the area where the real people live, away from the Corso Umberto.
Along the way, we saw the narrowest street in Taormina (not for cannoli aficionados)
and the oldest store
still owned and operated by the same family. Franco pointed out many unique decorations on the houses.
The public garden was donated to the town by a British woman, Lady Trevelyan, who had also provided money for the dowries of 89 young women from the town. It is filled with an eclectic mix of plants from all over the world. Although bequeathed by this woman, the fascist government in 1922 had named it after the former mayor. Next year the name will be changed in her honor. The views of the coast from the park are stunning and the park also contains a monument to soldiers fallen in both world wars as well as a torpedo used during WW2.
The fortified walls of the town, built by the Romans, can be seen when one wanders off the main shopping street. The remnants of the original cobblestone pavement can still be seen.
The Greek/Roman theater is the main historic attraction in the town. It was originally built by the Greeks in the 4th Century BC (this area was the first Greek colony!) but was subsequently remodeled by the Romans to serve the requirements of their spectacles, adding areas for animals and the mechanical structures needed. The theater also has an impressive view of both Etna and the coast.
We had the rest of the day off. The options included taking the funicular down to the beach, taking a taxi or bus up to the neighboring town of Castelmola or to just languish in the afternoon sun. We chose option number three, enjoying a spritz, people watching and window shopping.
We had pizza at the restaurant just steps below our hotel and ended the evening with a last stroll through the town.
Some interesting photos:
Camino Musings 