Giardini Naxos
Sicily is often perceived as an ordinary island covered with usual hills and rivers that range the land. But this perception couldn’t be faultier. Once you take the first step into the marvelous Sicily, there is o way you can further find it usual and static.
The dynamics of Sicily builds on the activities undertaken by locals, the arts and the cuisine, the magnificent archaeological park and the prolific tourism. For Sicily, tourism comes naturally. The bays, the views and lifestyle are very appealing, which is why many people choose Sicily for holiday’s destination. One main attraction is named Giardini Naxos, a notable protruding of the touristic Sicilian life.
Giardini Naxos defines a commune in the province of Messina, which lies on a bay determined by Cape Taormina and Cape Schiso. The Ionian Sea grazes one of the town’s edges, which represents a major asset for the touristic potential. If once upon a time the town was dominated by quietness and ordinary days, in present it enjoys a touristic explosion generated by the unique attractions.
The testimony of Thucydides confirms that Giardini was formed in 735 BC under the Athenian leader Thucles who bears the title of the first Greek to step on Sicilian land. It was never a powerful area but it did enjoy a certain religious spotlight due to the temple of Apollo Archegetes. During the ages of Barbary pirates, several buildings were constructed to ensure protection of Cape Schiso. The Schiso Castle is one of several examples. It was built in the 16th century as a fortress. Unlike the earlier 13th century edifice that the castle was built on, the 16th century architectural plan concerned a military tower which served as a location for spotting the Barbarian threat. The Vignazza Tower joins the series of constructions used for protection. It was built in the 16th century as a quadrangular structure with three stories. Both towers were used for defense against pirates’ attacks and they are not sole examples of this kind. The Sicilian coast hosts a large number of watchtowers that presently make part of archaeological parks.
The essence of Giardini Naxos still resides in the picturesque fishing activities that have been deployed since ever. Still, emancipation has turned the town into a cosmopolitan touristic resort. The handcraft shops, antiquities venues, trattorie, sunny beaches and the archaeological remnants have created a fearless competitor for near-by Taormina. A distinctive note for this particular town is that tourism never ceases. The resort continues its activities even during winter, which enables a strong injection of tourists from all over the world.
Giardini is a both attractive and powerful pawn amongst Sicily’s greatest sights. What is even more amazing about it is that it continuously refreshes its offerings, which further enlarges its power of attraction.