Taormina Things to Do

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There excist controversy regarding Greek Theatre of Taormina. It is undoubtelly of Greek origins, its plan and arrangements are in accordance with those of typical Greek theatre constructions. However, the theatre was built for the most parts of brick and it indicates its Roman origins. The Greek theatres were built excusevely from the stone......

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Palazzo Corvaia is medieval construction dating from the 10th century, originally was built by the Arabs. The Arabs have conquered town in 902 and this palace was among first built during their rule. The palace was subsequently added to over various periods up intil the 15th century but it main body remained an Arabic styled tower. The same Arabic style could be seen in its inner courtyard in particularly on arched windows and the doorway. The staircase and the ornamental balcony was added later on in the 13th century.
The palace takes its name from the Corvaja (or Corvaia) family, who were amongst Taormina's most important aristocrats and owned it from 1538 to 1945. In 1410 it was seat of the Sicilian Parliament.

What a nice way to reach the bottom and the beach!

The Cable Car runs from Taormina to Mazzaro, departing every 15mins, and taking just 2 minutes in transit, so you had better have your Camera out and ready to take the great view!
You arrive at the beach of Isola Bella and the diving school of Taormina.

The cable car of Taormina can be found in Via Luigi Pirandello, 3 minutes walk from Porta Messina.

TIME-TABLE......Mon. 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 a.m.
.....................Tue.-Sun. 8.00 a.m. - 1.00 a.m.

COST.......
ONE WAY... 1.80 EUROS......RETURN....3 EUROS

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Located in the city garden park at Taormina, there is a manned or Human Torpedo on display. It has an information board beside it which I presume was written in Italian. I wonder if anybody can translate from the photo.
This area of the park, near the Villa Comunale, is an area to remember the Dead and the wars, so I saw some Memorial's, and the Olive Tree row of Rememberance.

The Torpedo was very interesting. They were secret Naval weapons used in World War II. The photo showed that it would have been riden by two men in diving suits riding astride the Torpedo. They steered the torpedo at slow speed to the enemy ship where detachable warhead was then used as a limpet mine. They then rode the torpedo away, hoping not to be caught. They were used for attacking many ships in the Mediterranean that were in enemy harbours.

The Italian Maiale was an electrically propelled human torpedo, that carried two men. A normal Submarine would carry them to the target, and then launch them, this was usually during the night.
It was nicknamed by the Italian's "The Pig."

I would like to know the history of the one on display.

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These gardens were very nice, and they held some surprises too!

They are known as "typical Mediterranean" gardens, so I was interested in seeing what they were like.
Well, I thought they were lovely. Lots of neatly trimmed hedges and flower beds, topiary of animals and Bonsai Trees, cobblestones paths and plenty of seating, I thought it was just the area to sit in the shade on such a hot day!

There is the natural “Teatro di Verzura” [Greenery Theatre], and then if you walk to the ocean edge of the gardens, I had a marvellous view over the coastline.

open daily 9am to dusk
Entrance is Free

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In the Public Gardens, is the Villa Comunale which is also known as Parco Duca Di Cesaro.

They are in part ruins, and blended lovely with the garden. There is quite a story about the Scottish lady Florence Trevelyan Cacciola.

Florence, was "invited" to leave England following a romantic liaison with the future Edward VII.
She arrived in Taormina in 1889 and married a local professor and set about building these gardens. She planted them with Mediterranean plants and had ornamental pavilions made of bricks and Arabesque designs. Florence was a keen ornithologist and used the towers to study Bird's in the garden.

Walking along the pathway to the ocean side of the villa is a must, as the views are wonderful of the ships anchored in the Bay, the beach and the other large Villa's built on the edge of the hill

The garden is open.... Daily 9 am-sunset
Entrance is Free

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Wandering along the main shopping street in Taormina, I noticed a lot of the shops were selling Sicilian Ceramic's. These are very brightly painted, and all types of kitchen objects were made in a variety of colours. They would make a nice gift, if your sure of getting them home in one piece! This street is very crowded, so watch your purse!

We have climbed the hill and are about to enter Taormina, via the Messina Gate.
This Gate, restored at the beginning of the 19th century, was named Porta Ferdinanda when it was opened in 1808 by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon. At the top of the Arch, is a tablet in memory of this occassion.