Our walk to Catania Gate.
Porta Catania (Catania Gate) is one of the ancient city gates and part of the second city wall of Taormina. With Porta Messina it connects both gates via Corso Umberto, the main street of Taormina. The construction of Porta Catania dates back to 1440; in fact, the date is engraved in the plaque located in the central part of the arch, where the Aragonese coat of arms is also depicted. Porta Catania is also known as “Porta del Tocco”, because in Norman times public meetings were held in the adjacent small square.
The duomo of Taormina, built around 1400, resembles a fortress with its austere stone facade built in Sicilian Romanesque—Gothic style. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Nicholas.
In the square outside the duomo is the Quattro Fontaine do Taormina (Four fountains) in the center of the fountain, the symbol of the city of Taormina, or the crowned centaur who holds the world in his left hand and the scepter of command in the right hand.
The clock tower, originally called the Middle Tower, was built on the foundations of the first wall, circa the fourth century BC. The tower was built in the seventh century A.D. and rebuilt in the 12th century.
The beautiful April 9 Square with lovely tiled floor and views along the coastline was originally called Piazza Saint Agostin. It was named for the church of Saint Agostin built in 1448. The church still stands, deconsecrated, and used as a library.
The Greek Theatre in Taormina was built around the third century BC, dug out of the Taurus mountain. Under Roman rule, the Theatre was rebuilt, probably around the time of Hadrian. It was remodeled in the third century A.D., with the orchestra turned into an arena, and the stage removed so it could be used for gladiators. It is thought that it seated around 5400 people.
The setting is spectacular with the city of Taormina, built into the hillside just outside , the Ionian sea below, and Mount Etna in the background.
Since the 1950s, the Teatro Antico has been used as an open stage for various forms of entertainment.
Aperitifs at Da Cristina
Dinner – calamari in a zucchini/parsley/wine sauce with pasta and pizza diavolo.
Loving this! The calamari sounds wonderful.
What an absolutely charming city. A great vista from every spot… at least in all your pictures. I want to see the fruit and vegetable market . Which days are the open market days? Will you be there, I wonder.