Taormina combines historic sites from different periods with a clearly defined natural area: the Isola Bella Nature Reserve. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing the cultural sites by their particular features. Castello di Taormina, Palazzo Corvaja, and Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano represent different architectural styles and periods. The Roman Baths and the so-called Naumachiae add evidence of ancient water supply to this picture. The nature reserve and Parco Trevelyan introduce two further, very different landscape themes.
Castles, Palaces, and Ancient Heritage
Castello di Taormina, also known as Castel Tauro, stands on Monte Tauro, which is 396 metres high. The Greek acropolis was probably located on this site. The castle was founded by the Arabs in 902 and rebuilt between the 13th and 14th centuries. Its construction history can be placed in context: the foundation dates to the early Middle Ages, while the rebuilding took place considerably later. The connection to the Greek acropolis remains a possibility, however.
Several historical associations converge at Palazzo Corvaja. It stands on the site of the ancient Greek agora and the later Roman forum, and represents three phases in Taormina’s development. Its central tower was built by the Arabs between 902 and 1079 for defensive purposes. The site and the tower thus tell different parts of the building’s history: the palazzo stands on a site with ancient predecessors, while the tower’s date marks a distinct medieval phase.
Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano is a tower palace dating from the late 14th to early 15th century and is considered a masterpiece of Sicilian Gothic architecture. Since 1981, it has been home to the Fondazione Mazzullo. In the building and garden, the foundation displays 39 sculptures and 17 drawings by Giuseppe Mazzullo. Exhibition arrangements may change; if you are planning a specific visit, check the latest information.
The ancient sites also differ in what they preserve. The Roman Baths comprise three large rooms that served as caldaria or tepidaria. Their marble-slab floors were heated by praefurnia. By contrast, the ruins of the so-called Naumachiae preserve part of a large water reservoir. It supplied water to the ancient gymnasium and served as a reserve for the entire city.
Nature Reserve, Garden, and Travel Planning
The Isola Bella Nature Reserve includes Isola Bella, Capo Sant’Andrea, and Capo Taormina. Parco Trevelyan offers a different scale: it is an irregularly shaped historic garden covering 22,400 m². The distinction is specific: the nature reserve encompasses three named features, while Parco Trevelyan is described as a single garden. When planning your visit, this can help you decide whether the designated natural area or the history of a garden appeals to you more.
Transport may also be a factor when planning your accommodation. A cable car connects Taormina’s centre with the coastal area of Mazzarò. To get from Taormina to Isola Bella, take the train to Taormina-Giardini station, then continue to your destination by bus operated by ASM Taormina. These connections involve different destinations and modes of transport. Before travelling, check the latest operating and timetable details if you want to plan your day around them.
Discover more destinations: Tortorici, Mirto, CalderĂ , San Piero Patti, Malfa, Fiumedinisi, Castelmola, Calvaruso.
For the broader travel overview: Messina.
