Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Sicily - Taormina

Taormina is located on the eastern coast of Sicily and our last town we visited. It was packed with tourists and at times, challenging to walk down the streets.


What did we do? 

Ancient Theatre of Taormina -- built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, this well-preserved amphitheater is now a popular venue for concerts and theatrical performances. The theater is situated on a hill overlooking the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We walked up to the Temple but did not go inside because there were so many tourists. Pictures courtesy of the internet.





Palazzo Corvaja -- a medieval palace that now houses the Taormina Art Museum. The museum features an impressive collection of artwork from different eras and includes pieces by famous artists such as Picasso and MirĂ³. The palace itself is a remarkable example of medieval architecture.


Taormina is also home to several historic churches and buildings, including the Cathedral of Taormina, the Church of Santa Caterina, and the Baroque-style Palazzo dei Duchi di Santo Stefano.

Cathedral of Taormina - No pictures of the inside as there was a funeral being held. It was amazing watching tourists walk around the ropes and signage and continue into the church.  We did get some pictures of Fontana di Piazza Duomo.



Church of Saint Antonio Abate - a small chuch with a cute village displayed inside.
 



 
Church of Saint Catherine 




Church of
 San Giuseppe






Odeon 
a small theater leaning against the church of St. Catherine. In the Greco-Roman culture these buildings were used for performances, lectures and public readings. It was amazing how the church and nearby building used parts of the theater for their foundations.




Church of St. Catherine's wall




Port of Messina - the northernmost gate 



Clock Tower and Middle Gate


Inside walkway

Port of Catania - the southernmost gate







Palazzo dei Duchi di Santo Stefano









Exploring  Taormina














Vicolo Stretto

Yes we walked up those stairs 


How did we get here?  Not all days are sunshine and roses. The day started with a 10 minute walk in the rain wheeling our bags to our car. We then drove for 4 1/2 hours. Through fields and groves and small towns. Literally one-lane curvy dirt roads with grass as high as the car. I had no idea what I would have done if we met an oncoming vehicle. Luckily we did not. Then it was up and over a mountain with sharp turns and switch-backs. It was constant shifting. We finally arrived at where we thought a parking lot would be. There was no parking lot and to top it off, no cell service to figure out where to go. So I just drove and somehow, thanks to Sharon, managed to find a parking spot.







We saw some signage that we had to google and we also got to see the other side of Mt. Etna.

Still not sure about this one

Tornante - Hairpin

These ladders were spaced out
along the fence t climb over

Snow, WHAT? đŸ˜±

COWS

We saw pigs

Mt Etna


Where did we stay? At Casa Puglio, an AirBnB in Old Town. Our hosts left us some homemade lemoncello! It was delicious!! 







Where did we eat?

Creperia & More Santo Stefano di Camastra


Not sure... dough bombs?
Mortadella/cheese
Salami/cheese


Ristorante Gourmet 32 Taormina service was good and the food was not bad. I was expecting a little more gourmet.

Our view during dinner

Swordfish with capers and cherry tomatoes 

Fresh tagliatelle with meat sauce and parmesan fondue 


We found Rosticceria Da Cristina 2 -- I could have eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner here.





La Locanda Dei Mori - recommended by our host and a quaint little place. Food and service were excellent.


Sharon loved the wine decanter

Slowly, slowly, slowly the owner 
kept telling us

Lasagna
Caprese

Gelatomania also recommended by our host. Sharon said it did not disappoint and I am watching my waistline.


Chocolate/coffee

When did we visit? May 8 through May 10, 2023

Sicily is full of charming old towns and Taormina was right up there! 

"Travel far enough and you meet yourself."

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