Taormina
Taormina is the one place where nature and art create one of the most precious jewels of Italy. People from all over the world are drawn in by the most beautiful blue of the sea, the pageantry of Mount Etna or the lofty historical monuments.
It’s easy to lose track of time while diving into the dominating exotic scent or the greatness of the ancient columns. As Sicily got us used to, it reserves a special cuisine for Taormina. Various tourists go to this edge of Heaven to taste the delicacies that chefs create for their public.
The city’s popularity dates from the 19th century due to the wonderful beaches on the Ionian Sea. Its history is rather a rollercoaster of flourishing periods and deep decadence, but starting with the 19th century the town regained its fame by hosting figures such as Friederich Nietzsche, Johann von Goethe and Oscar Wilde. The artistic intake doesn’t end here. The 20th century brought new artistic characters such as D. H. Lawrence who even created an impressive part of his work in Taormina.
Scattered fragments of ancient edifices announce the remarkable monuments that this elitist resort shines through. By far, the ancient theatre receives all the applause for its impressive preservation and majestic beauty. Archaeologists advanced a theory according to which the theatre was built on the site of a Greek theatre, a theory that justifies the prevalence of Greek features over the Roman ones. This second largest Sicilian ancient theatre offers unique performances and concerts by putting together contemporary art and a scent of antiquity.
The architectural pageantry of Taormina is thoroughly sustained by other edifices such as the Cathedral (from the 10th century), the Baroque Fountain (from 1635), Palazzo Corvaja (the 10th century) and the list goes forth. For all volcanologists out there, Mount Etna resides only 45 minutes away.
Culture tasters are guaranteed a wonderful realm of cultural expressions, especially during summer. Classical music concerts, dramatic performances, the Taormina Film Festival, the Giuseppe Sinopoli Festival make up an impressive dedication to all art lovers who choose this holiday destination.
A suite of notorious names amongst which Daphne Phelps, Bertrand Russell, Tennessee Williams, Nobel prize winner Halldor Laxness complete the collection of writers who chose this specific place for inspiration.
The magic of Isola Bella Nature Reserve cannot be missed if you are anywhere near the town. The beautiful sea birds join the luxuriant flora in this swing of Mediterranean beauties. Also, 25km from Taormina, the Alcantara River Park displays an impressive geological collection that over the years made quite a topic for various geologists.
The locals are sure to offer you a glass of almond wine which is unique and utterly delicious. If this doesn’t convince you, maybe a walk to Piazza Belvedere will, a place that enables a fantastic view over the sea and Etna.
Photographs cannot sustain the magnificence of this town. You can only go and see it for yourself. You are sure to return to Taormina in no time.