Taormina
the fountain
Taormina, historic resort town on the east coast of Sicily, midway between the towns of Messina and Catania. Situated on the slope of the coastal range at an elevation of 200 m (650 ft), Taormina enjoys an incomparable view of the sea and of Mount Etna, which has an elevation of 3323 m (10,902 ft). The combination of scenic beauty and a mild climate has made Taormina and its environs a well-known winter resort. There are numerous hotels as well as many private villas.
Founded by natives of Sicily, Taormina was colonized by Greeks at the end of the
5th century BC and shared the political history of the nearby Greek cities
before and during Roman occupation. Its importance outlasted the Roman Empire,
but in AD 902 Taormina was destroyed by the Saracens, who later rebuilt it. The
city prospered under Norman rule in the 11th century, but later declined. Among
the monuments is the Greek theater, constructed during the Hellenistic Period
(4th century to 1st century BC), and the second largest of its kind in Sicily.
Taormina is a popular departure point for tourist excursions to nearby sites,
including the grottoes of Capo Sant' Andrea. Population (1996) 10,120.
Text from Microsoft Encarta
town hall
the mountain above Taormina
the patron saint of Monday wash
fish market
ceramic shop
pottery on the stairs
father Christmas
going home with the groceries
art display
Trattoria and Pizzeria
angel
Merhorse fountain
side street
cyclamen
many flavors
kitchen tools
second story flower garden
Smart car
city police
mobile green grocer
guard lion
Taormina train station
climbing up to hill
a religious building
Mary as Mother
Villa Comunale
a lush garden
tribute to Lady Florence Trevelyan
Cacciola (1852 - 1907)
who created this garden
view of Taormina and the hill
soldiers facing the castle
World War I memorial
garden structure
crčche setting
Nativity Scene
Greek Theater
the stage
looking through the stage to the seating area
behind the stage
