Porta Messina and Porta Catania
by sandysmith
Either end of Taormina's main shopping street are two gates - part of the old fortification system.called Porta Messina and Porta Catania.
Porta Messina, the entrance into town was restored at the beginning of the 19th century It was originally named Porta Ferdinanda when it was opened in 1808 by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon. A tablet commemorating the occasion on the top of its arch. Porta Catania at the far end is the result of various changes and restorations, the last of which were in 1440 by the Aragonese. The Aragonese coat-of-arms sculpted in relief above the city coat-of-arms in the centre on the top part of the gate.
Go and visit the lovely Eastern coast of Sicily
by lichinga
Taormina is just 70 km south of Messina and may the same way North of Catania. While catania is a wonderful place to visit itself, one cannot say exactly the same for Messina, as it was completely destroyed by an earthquake and never rebuilt with the same fashion. But, Messina is a curious place because of the strait, dividing Sicily from mainland Italy.
Taormina
by LorrieK
"Day Trip to Taormina"
While in Malta, I made a day trip to Sicily, which featured Etna and Taormina. It was a long day, starting with a 7am boat ride, and returning at about midnight.
Taormina is charming, and I would have liked more time to visit there. I really only had a chance to have a quick look around and a gelato.