Taormal-beautiful city on the east coast of Sicily. He is in three hours drive from Palermo and is famous for its architectural heritage. So, if you arrived in Palermo, do not miss the chance to visit Taormina, because it is a wonderful place. And that's what you can see here:
City Park Taormina (Garden Of Villa Comanale)
This park was built in the 20s of the last century by the English traveler, which was very impressed with local beauties. In the park you can see a variety of exotic plants, flowers and trees (about 200 species), beautiful stone stairs, cozy terraces in oriental style, decorated with mosaic, unusual shape of the gazebo and, of course, classic statues. This bold Englishwoman has already died, but he took his creation to local residents. Well, guests here are always a lodk, because the place is very beautiful!
Address: Garden Of Villa Comunale (near Palazzo Corvaia Palace)
Greek Theater (Teatro Antico Di Taormina)
This is a magnificent ancient structure, which was created in about 3 century BC. Consists of a scene and tribunes per 10,000 spectators. Here, by the way, still spend different cultural events and concerts. In all his centuries-old history, the theater was not particularly reworked. In particular, after the last time it was changed for the fighting of gladiators in the 1st century BC. Of course, then for some time they forgot about it, and only in the 19th century it was renovated again and began to actively use the city and the country in the cultural life of the city. For example, at the end of June, an international film festival is held every year.
Address: Via Del Teatro Greco, 1
Corso Umberto I (Corso Umberto i)
This is the main street Taormina. The street is small, no more than a kilometer, but connects the most important constructions of Messina's urban gates (Porta Messina) and city gates of Catania. On this narrow crucible street, you can see many buildings, seized with ivy, with old stucco and bas-reliefs. Extremely interesting! Plus, this is a good place for shopping, there are a number of souvenir benches and shops, jewelry, shoe and pottery salons. And, of course, cute cafes and bistro.
Cathedral of Holy Katerina Alexandrian (Chiesa Santa Caterina d'Alessandria)
Located on one of the central streets of Taormina. Scientists suggest that the Basilica was built in the second half of the 17th century (judging by the stone, launched into the wall at the entrance of the Cathedral). The cathedral originated on the ruins of the ancient Roman theater, which was built on the site of the Greek Temple Aphrodites. Here is such a long multinational story! By the way, some parts of old buildings are parts of the current church. An interesting fact: the excavations under the floor of the cathedral found 3 levels of roads. The first is the square stone blocks belonging to the ancient Greek period, the second - smooth ancient Roman stone paving, and the latter - the coarse stone coating of the Middle Ages.
The Cathedral Building itself is quite modest. Above the entrance you can see the statue of pink marble depicting the Holy Katerina with angels. Internally, the decoration is strict enough, in the style of the Sicilian Baroque: light walls, columns, as well as the mainesty of the Cathedral of the Saints of the Holy Wives, who created Paolo Greco himself. Of particular interest is the altar statue of the Virgin, dating back to the 16th century, the wooden crucifix of the 18th century and luxurious chandeliers. In this cathedral, the wedding ceremony is often carried out, and they say, here the favorite of all over the world was married, Handsman-French Alain Delon.
Address: Corso Umberto, 37
Baroque fountain "Pony"
The Baroque Sicilian Marble Fountain was erected here in the first half of the 17th century and was subsequently a symbol of Taormina. In the center of the fountain there is an octagonal bowl that Cupids support. In the fountain bowl, three sea cats are "splashing", a little higher you can see the bowl in which there is a fruit basket. And the completion of the component of the women-centaur with the crown on the head, the scepter and the globe in the hands. There are four thick low columns around the fountain, on which marble ponies are squeezed, and from their mouths the jet of water flow into the bowl slightly down.
Previously, one of the bowls served for the owners of horses, which could be treated with a tired animal here.
Address: Piazza Del Duomo Square
Dome Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Duomo Di Taormina San Nicola Di Bari)
This cathedral is considered one of the most important monuments of the Middle Ages in Taormina. Erected in 12-13 centuries from volcanic tuff, the cathedral infinitely changed his appearance - from Gothic to Baroque and vice versa. Finally, in the 20th century he was renovated and no longer changed. The cathedral in shape resembles the Latin Cross, and small altars are in the side protrusions. The main value of the Council of the Council of Madonna (it is also called "uncountable"). This precious icon was accidentally detected inside the wall of the building during the restoration. And, although, most likely, she was simply hidden there, representatives of the clergy claim that angels put it there, that is, the icon, it turns out, is non-manual. Also, the attention of the 18th century cloth Antonio Joffre and polyptypes (segmented paintings), created Antonell De Saliba in the 16th century.
Address: Piazza Duomo Square, 2
Messinsky Gate (Porta Messina)
These are the oldest goal of the city, and they are named after the town of Messina, because the gate is located on his part. Taormina often accepted and accepts guests from Messina, so, here is such a gesture of hospitality. Very beautiful stone gate, seized by ivy. The goal begins the main street of the city with numerous attractions.
Address: Corso Umberto, 1
Chieces of St. Augustine (Chiesa di Sant'Agostino)
This Gothic Cathedral is built in the 15th century as gratitude from the locals who suffered a terrible epidemic of plague. The oldest parts of the collected and rose (a large round window with a stone binding in the form of radial rays). The city library is currently posted in the Cathedral.
Address: Piazza 9 Aprile, 2
Ruins of Naumakhia
Nabamaichia or Naumakhiya is, in general, the gladiator's sea battle in ancient Rome, or a show with a simulation battle imitation. The Ancient Roman ruins (and the building was built in the 1st century BC), where such a show was held, can be found today on the street walking parallel Corso Umberto I, in the city center. The structure is a wall-arcade of a brick-length 122 meters and a height of 7 meters, with niches for statues. Inside the structure you can see the ruins of the reservoir. Also, scientists still argue about the functions of this building. Someone claims that there were no gladiator show there, and the building was used only as a reservoir, where the water was served in the city. We, especially since we do not know, so, it remains only to admire this ancient beauty!
Address: Via Naumachia Street