The story of Taormina is a tale that spans centuries, suspended between myth, art, and natural beauty. Overlooking the Ionian Sea and dominated by Mount Etna, the city has always been a meeting point for peoples, cultures, and civilizations, becoming over time one of the most fascinating destinations in the Mediterranean.
Ancient origins
The origins of Taormina date back to the 4th century BC, when it was founded by the Greeks under the name Tauromenion. The choice of location was not random: a strategic position, easy to defend and with a privileged view of the coast, ideal for controlling the territory.
Important evidence from this period remains, first and foremost the Ancient Theatre, symbol of the city, which still today tells of the greatness of Greek civilization and its deep attention to art, culture, and landscape.
The Roman era
With the arrival of the Romans, Taormina experienced a period of great prosperity. The city maintained a central role in Sicily, enriched by new structures and infrastructure. The Ancient Theatre was expanded and adapted to host shows and public games, confirming itself as the heart of social and cultural life.
From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance
In the following centuries, Taormina was ruled by various powers: Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Swabians each left a deep mark. The urban fabric began to take the shape that still characterizes the historic center today, with alleys, arches, churches, and palaces that tell a layered and fascinating story.
During the Middle Ages, the city became an important fortified center, able to withstand numerous sieges thanks to its natural position.
Taormina and the Grand Tour
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, Taormina became a key stop on the Grand Tour, the cultural journey that artists, writers, and European intellectuals undertook to discover Italy. Painters, poets, and travelers were enchanted by the light, colors, and unique atmosphere of the city.
From then on, Taormina began to transform into an international tourist destination, without ever losing its historical and cultural identity.
A story that continues
Today Taormina is a city that lives in balance between past and present. Its traditions, architectural heritage, and historical memory coexist with a modern tourist vocation, made up of hospitality, culture, and respect for the land.
It is precisely this historical continuity, made of people, places, and stories, that makes Taormina unique. A city not just to visit, but to understand and experience.
Taormina: a shared heritage
Telling the story of Taormina also means valuing those who today help keep it alive, through hospitality, work, and daily commitment. It is in this context that organizations like TaoXenia work to protect and promote the area, so that the city's story continues to be written with respect, quality, and vision.