Castelmola

Castelmola is the natural balcony above Taormina from which you can admire Mt. Etna, the Ionian coast, the Gulf of Giardini-Naxos, the Head of S. Alessio, the Strait of Messina and the Calabrian coast. With its narrow streets that intersect the main square, immediately reveals the medieval settlements.

The ancient arch that marks the entrance to the village remained isolated after the building of Piazza Sant'Agostino in 1954; the limestone steps on which it stands enhances the beauty. The square, paved in white lava stone, returns Sicilian atmosphere in the tree-lined sidewalks where the stone seats are placed and the viewpoint from which the eye ranges over Taormina. On the same square is the historic Caffè San Giorgio, established in the '700 monks and used as a tavern. Castle-fortress that remain imposing Norman walls.

Descending from the rock you come in via De Gasperi, the village's main road, which connects Piazza S. Antonino with the southern area. Along the way the shops sell Sicilian souvenirs, lace and embroidery of local women. To visit the typical Bar Turrisi nonchalantly that exposes his faults wood and ceramic. You arrive in Piazza Duomo to see the Mother Church, which in 1934 held the previous forms of new styles ranging from Romanesque to Gothic. Inside there are four marble altars facing each other, a handsome pulpit, a wooden statue of Maria Maddalena by the Bagnasco school.