Italy, Taormina: attractions. Photos and reviews of tourists

Taormina is an attractive town in all respects, located on the island of Sicily, Italy. Here you can admire the enchanting scenery endlessly, in which the steep hills are replaced by the Ionian sea of azure color, and bordered by all this magnificence is the luscious greenery, mixed with bright colors.

In the city of Taormina, sights are everywhere. This resort with its rich history and enchanting terrain will make an indelible impression - there's no doubt about it!

Briefly about the history of Taormina

This ancient Greek city was founded in 365 BC at the slope of Mount Tauro. Probably, it was the picturesque environment of the territory that became the reason why the Greeks wanted to settle here. They formed a settlement, which later was named "Tavromeny". The population consisted mainly of indigenous people, called sycles.

No wonder they say that the cause of many tragedies is beauty. And it does not matter whether it refers to a person or to the terrain. Since her birth, Taormina has not known a quiet life. Rebellions, ending with brutal wars, the transition from one people to another, attacks from the Arab forces and long endless battles - it was so throughout the city's existence, until in 1078 the Normans cleared Taormina from the Muslims and until the Christian religion revived there.

Popular places

In the city of Taormina, attractions are located almost at every step. As a rule, first of all people want to see the oldest structures. In Taormina it is an ancient Greek theater, which was built in the III century BC. He was able to accommodate up to 10,000 people, but it was not an easy task to build it at the time. And it's not even about technology. The workers had to level the territory, because there was a hill, and they also exported 100,000 m² of limestone. And all so that the viewer had the opportunity to admire not only the view, but also the sea.

Further we go to the covered Roman theater of the city of Taormina. The sights, which are several hundred years old, also include Naumakhia in their list - this is an interesting building, recreated by the hands of the Romans. It is a pool, used in ancient times for sea gladiatorial fights.

An attractive architectural creation can be called and Corvaggio - a palace with an Arab tower of the XI century, the only one preserved in Europe. This masterpiece is famous for its unique combination of several styles - Norman, Arabic and Byzantine, as it was built over three centuries.

Another attractive palace for tourists is Santo Stefano. Its erection is attributed to the XIV century, however, during the Second World War it was heavily destroyed. But still it is visited by tourists traveling around the city of Taormina. Sights are also churches, which are many. For example:

• St. Nicholas Cathedral;
• The Church of St. Augustine;
• The temple of St Pancratius and the Mother of God in the rock.

This is the most famous, but in general there are a lot of churches here, you can literally spend the whole vacation visiting each. Almost all cathedrals and temples were built in the XV-XVI centuries, and they signify a certain event.

It is necessary to visit the central square of the city - it is called the 9th of April. From here, tourists admire the enchanting Ionian Sea and, if lucky, Etna.

The city of Taormina is beautiful, the sights, photos of which are presented in this article, simply fascinate. But sometimes it gets boring. Man seems to be oversaturated with emotions, and he wants to relax. If this happens, it's worth taking a break, the more so that you can take time and other interesting activities. For example, go shopping. There are a lot of similar establishments here, but antique shops will be especially interesting. It is necessary to visit "Taormina Art" - this is a festival that has been held in the town for more than 30 years. The program includes dance, music and theater performances.

Are there any hot springs in Taormina?

There are different attractions in the city of Taormina. Hot springs are perhaps the only exception. But they are many in other places of the island of Sicily. For example, Sciacca (almost 200 km from Taormina), Acireale (28 km) and Termini Imerese (234 km). Thermal springs in a certain settlement contribute to the cure of some diseases: some are intended for the treatment of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, others are saved from pathologies in the field of gynecology, others restore the children's body and excellent immunity and so on. So do not spare time and money to travel - it's worth it.

Is it possible to have a beach holiday in Taormina?

Taormina is not very suitable for beach holidays, especially if you go with a child. But there are places for swimming here. True, the beaches are all pebble, and the entrance to the sea is uncomfortable. Most tourists come here to contemplate the beautiful, and go swimming to other resorts in Sicily. The nearest is located 5 km, in the village of Giardini-Nakos. It is sandy, with two sides protected by capes, and therefore ideal for recreation, including with children.

Taormina (sights): route

You can make a plan of movement by being at home (open the map on the Internet and paint all the points so that it is convenient to visit them), or you can already navigate the terrain by purchasing a map of the city indicating important places or taking it for free in the information office for guests of Taormina. In general, it is very difficult to get lost here. You roam the Italian streets, and in the end you leave in some familiar place. In this regard, a small tip: aside the tourist routes! Better than an independent walk, there is nothing.

First of all, it's worth going to the Messina gate. Here begins the main historic street - Corso Umberto. And it is here that the main attractions, interesting houses, various shops and restaurants with aromatic dishes are located. On the left side of the street there will be a church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, where masterpieces of painting and architecture of famous masters are kept. Further ways diverge, and you can visit these places on different days to have enough time.

• Right (along Corso Umberto): will meet the ruins of Naumahia, many shops, restaurants, hotels, and churches. Here you can admire the beauty of architecture. On the main street of the city there are always a lot of people, and most of them are tourists.
• Via Via Teatro Greco, which crosses the Corso Umberto, also has something to see. If you turn right, you can see the Odeon, and next to it the library, which was once the church of San Giuseppe. Turning to the left, first the visitor of the city will meet the Corvay Palace, and then the Greek theater - he is at the very end of the street.
• It is necessary to visit Villa Communale - a huge park, created by Florence Trivilian. It is located on Via Bagnoli Croce.
• At the other end of the city, if you walk along the winding street of Salita Castello, there is the church of Madonna della Roca. To her left is Badia Vecchia, and on the right, if you go a little farther, the ruins of the Arab castle. Both of these places boast panoramic views.
• It is also recommended to visit the Dome Cathedral of St. Nicholas. To get there, you need to roll from Corso Umberto to Via Damiano Rosso. On the way there will be churches, restaurants and hotels.

How to get to the resort city?

Usually tourists arrive at the international airport of Catania. To see the city of Taormina (Italy), attractions and other interesting places, you need to find a bus. The duration of the trip is one and a half hours. The fare is 7 euros. You can also book a taxi or a transfer.

Italy, Taormina. Attractions: reviews

Probably, this is one of the few resorts, which made an exceptionally favorable impression on everyone who rested there. Taormina - a truly unique place, "divine", as tourists write about it. The magnificence of this town can not be overemphasized, no matter what epithets it is not described. Goethe wrote that Taormina is the most heavenly place on earth. So the time spent here will be remembered for a long time, and only on the positive side.