Taormina
is Sicily's best-known resort, claimed by many to be the most
beautiful place in the Island. It is said that it was Taormina itself
that first attracted tourists to Sicily in the 18 th and 19 th
centuries. A favourite retreat for artists, writers, actors and
intellectuals, by the turn of the century Taormina became a popular
vacation spot for such high society families as the Rothchilds, Krupps
and Vanderbilts.
In a romantic atmosphere we will start our tour following on the footsteps of the 19th century tourists such as the German landscape painter Otto Geleng, born in Berlin in 1843 and buried at the historic cemetery of Taormina in 1939.
The walking tour will introduce you to all the curiosities of this medieval town with a chance to admire the pedestrian Corso Umberto, the main street, before visiting the impressive Ancient Theatre. Begun by the Greeks in the 4 th- 3 rd century BC, the theatre was enlarged by the Romans some centuries later and is now a close second to nearby Syracuse in terms of importance and size. Breathtaking view from the top! There will be time to relax on the terrace of the Hotel Timeo, or sink into one of the comfy sofas in the reading room with a good coffe and a local cake. Meanwhile, I will tell you something about the oldest hotel of Taormina and its secrets.
We will then proceed to the Public Gardens. The garden belonged to a British Lady, Ms Florence Trevelyan, daughter of Sir Spencer Trevelyan, whose paternal grandmother was Lady Mary Wilson, a first cousin of Queen Victoria. Lady Trevelyan came to Sicily to prevent a scandal at the Court, forced into exile with a “one way passport” and a full pension, for her relationship with the Queen’s son, the next King Edward VII, who was married to the princess of Denmark.
The British lady died at Taormina in 1907 and she was buried on her property nearby the village of Castelmola.
In a romantic atmosphere we will start our tour following on the footsteps of the 19th century tourists such as the German landscape painter Otto Geleng, born in Berlin in 1843 and buried at the historic cemetery of Taormina in 1939.
The walking tour will introduce you to all the curiosities of this medieval town with a chance to admire the pedestrian Corso Umberto, the main street, before visiting the impressive Ancient Theatre. Begun by the Greeks in the 4 th- 3 rd century BC, the theatre was enlarged by the Romans some centuries later and is now a close second to nearby Syracuse in terms of importance and size. Breathtaking view from the top! There will be time to relax on the terrace of the Hotel Timeo, or sink into one of the comfy sofas in the reading room with a good coffe and a local cake. Meanwhile, I will tell you something about the oldest hotel of Taormina and its secrets.
We will then proceed to the Public Gardens. The garden belonged to a British Lady, Ms Florence Trevelyan, daughter of Sir Spencer Trevelyan, whose paternal grandmother was Lady Mary Wilson, a first cousin of Queen Victoria. Lady Trevelyan came to Sicily to prevent a scandal at the Court, forced into exile with a “one way passport” and a full pension, for her relationship with the Queen’s son, the next King Edward VII, who was married to the princess of Denmark.
The British lady died at Taormina in 1907 and she was buried on her property nearby the village of Castelmola.
You can take your time leisurely
strolling through this English-style
garden before visiting Casa Cuseni designed and built by the painter
Robert Hawthorn Kitson. When he died, Daphne Phelps, Kitson's niece,
took over the property and embellished the House's terraces and courts
with exotic plants and fruit trees. The gardens and house, with a
unique dining room furnished and decorated by Sir Frank Brangwyn and
Sir Alfred East, have been declared of "cultural and historic
importance" by the “Belle Arti” in Messina.
The visit will continue reaching the historic Mocambo café with some pictures taken by the Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden, a German photographer, who remained in Taormina until his death in 1931.
There will also be a chance to visit the mountaintop village of Castelmola, nearby Taormina, renowned as one of the most enchanting villages in Italy. From the picturesque main square you can enjoy a fascinating view of Mt Etna, Naxos and Taormina.
If you have time, enjoy a light lunch at the Café Bar Turrisi, a very original and unique place all equipped with a bizare phallic theme objects all around. Don't miss a taste of almond wine before leaving the village!
For this amazing tour of Taormina please contact our Qualified Tourist Guide from Sicily island
The visit will continue reaching the historic Mocambo café with some pictures taken by the Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden, a German photographer, who remained in Taormina until his death in 1931.
There will also be a chance to visit the mountaintop village of Castelmola, nearby Taormina, renowned as one of the most enchanting villages in Italy. From the picturesque main square you can enjoy a fascinating view of Mt Etna, Naxos and Taormina.
If you have time, enjoy a light lunch at the Café Bar Turrisi, a very original and unique place all equipped with a bizare phallic theme objects all around. Don't miss a taste of almond wine before leaving the village!
For this amazing tour of Taormina please contact our Qualified Tourist Guide from Sicily island