Taormina 2010 >> The most complete independent tourist city guide

Of recent construction the Palazzo dei Congressi of Taormina is scarcely 50 Km from the airport of Catania, and is a structure capable of satisfying all of the demands of the congress of tourism sector. It can host up to 1.300 people. There are four functioning halls, and in every time of year it is possible for congresses, meetings, cinematography festivals, shows, and all types of musical performances to take place. It is equipped wit all of the necessary services.

Property: Comune di Taormina
Open: all year

Distances:
"Fontanarossa" Catania Airport: km 50
Highway: Messina-Catania A18 km 3
Railroad station of Taormina-Giardini km 3
Port of: Catania km 48; Messina km 44
PALAZZO DEI CONGRESSI
tel. I phone (0942) 6101 Municipio
fax (0942) 610216
Piazza Badia
998039 Taormina (Me)

CONVENTION FACTS
Meeting rooms: 2 - Conference rooms: 2
Max. seating capacity: 1,300
Dimensions of the main congress hall:
length 45 m width 23 m height 12 m
doors: n. 22 height 2.2 m width 2 m
Exhibition area: 300 sq.m.
Secretary's office
Photocopier
Direct dial telephone
Amplification system
Audio visual equipment
Projecting equipment: Slides Films Videotapes
Giant screen television
Simultaneous translation
Closed circuit TV
Recreational activities, banquets, excursions, etc.

Sicilian cuisine is deeply cosmopolitan, drawing from the culinary culture of all its invaders. The Arabs introduced aubergines and rice as well as a sweet and spicy cuisine. The French and Spanish refined the raw ingredients and the end result is a sumptuous Mediterranean stew in which pasta, tomatoes, vegetables, sea food, lemons extra virgin olive oil and various herbs predominate.

Primarily, Sicilian food mixes Italian staples - pasta, tomato souce and fresh vegetables - with local specialities and products of the traditional island industries : red chillies, tuna, swordfish and sardines, olives, pine nuts and capers all figure heavily.

The mild winter climate and long summer mean that fruit and vegetables are less seasonal here than in northern Europe and are also much bigger and more impressive.

In Sicily you may discover the true „cucina povera", the pillar of the famous mediterranean diet : pasta (fresh and died) dressed with pure, extra virgin olive oil and fresh vegetables, lightly grilled fish, lamb or goat seasoned with herbs. A healthy, peasant food, unspoilt by cloying sauces : you will discover how well and how healthfully you can eat without heavy sauces and fats.

Taormina has approximately 80 restaurants, trattorie and pizzerie, all open from noon to 3 pm and from 7 until 12 pm or even later than that.

Although a trattoria is a cheaper, simpler place than a ristorante, in reality in Taormina they are both serving fabolous sicilian meals.

Most ristoranti and trattorie in town display a menu outside with prices so that you know exactly what to expect.

Hors d‘Oeuvres („Antipasti")
Literally „before the meal". Starters in Taormina‘s restaurants are often sumptuously displayed to tempt you the minute you walk in :

cold dishes as „insalata di mare" (seafood salad tossed in olive oil, lemon and herbs), vegetables, salami, ham, olives, stuffed artichoke hearths, anchovies and aubergines in various guises, „peperonata" (peppers in oil) or „pomodori ripeni" (stuffed tomatoes).

Aubergines are a staple, wether grilled, fried, stuffed („involtini di melanzane"), or baked in a cheese an tomato sauce („melanzane alla parmigiana"). Or try „pesce spada affumicato", smoked sword-fish or „alici marinate" (marinated anchovies).

A favourite starter is also „caponata", a dish of fired peppers, aubergines, tomatoes, courgettes and olives.

First course („primo")

Soups or pasta dishes. In Taormina we recommend to try :

Pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil, „pennette alla norma" (an eggplant sauce), „pasta con le sarde" (with a sauce of sardines, tomatoes, pine nuts and rasins), or „linguine al limone", surprisingly simple and delicious.

Or „risotto alla marinara" (steamed rice with fresh seafood), „spaghetti al nero di seppia" (with the black squid sauce), „spaghetti ai frutti di mare" (seafood) or „spaghetti ai ricci di mare" (with sea-urchin‘s eggs).

Main courses („secondi")

Pesce (fish): in Taormina you mustn‘t miss out „involtini di pesce spada" (grilled sword-fish rolls) and the tuna with onion stew, the ribs and fresh fish from the ionian sea. Or „grigliata mista", a mixed seafood grill. Two other special treats in town are „triglie" (red mullets) and „aragosta" (the clawless Mediterranean lobster. „Sarde a beccafico" (filetted sardines stuffed with cheese, garlic, parsley and capers) or „neonata a pastelle" (tiny fried fish).

Carne (meat): try the tasty local „salsiccia" (sausages in red wine with fennel seeds), „coniglio alla cacciatora" (rabbit steamed in herbs) or „capretto al forno" (baked kid batter).

DESSERTS
"Cassata" or „torta cassata" is an ice cream or tart with almonds and candied fruits, „cannoli alla ricotta" (sponge cake filled with a delicious cream made of sheep-milk and candied fruits), „sfogliatelle" (sweet ricotta turnovers), „paste di mandorla" (almond cakes) or „marzapane" (marchpane).

„Gelato" (ice-cream) made in Taormina is simply unique.

WINES
Italy ist the largest wine-producing country in the world. The south is more prodigious a producer of wine than the north and Sicily produces some of the best wines in the country. So once in Taormina we recommend to try :
Click here to view the complete list

DESSERT WINES
MARSALA, a sweet or dry fortified wine which is a distant cousin of sherry.
MOSCATO DI PANTELLERIA
PASSITO DI PANTELLERIA
MALVASIA DI LIPARI

ALÌ TERME
27 Km (16 miles) north of Taormina on the Ionian coast between Scaletta Zanclea and Nizza di Sicilia is the hydrothermal resort of Alí Terme : water and mud treatments suitable for chronic arthropathies, skin complaints, gynecological problems and inflammation of the respiratory system are available here.There are two spas: Granata Cassibile and Marino, using the waters and muds of two springs (Marino) and five springs (Granata Cassibile).
The water temperature varies between 28 and 46° C. They are rich in boric acid, sulphur, sodium bromide, chloride, iodide and carbonic acid.
Easy to reach, a treatment here is also good for your health with the added attraction of a beach, archeological sites and beautiful coastal and hill scenery nearby.

ANTILLO
In the Montagna Grande range of the southern Peloritan mountains, its history is bound to that of Savoca and the and the inhabitants are given over to agriculture and stock farming.

CASALVECCHIO SICULO
It lies in the southern Peloritan mountains on the south eastern slopes of Mt. Sant'Elia. The village of Arab origin was mentioned in 1130 as Calabiet, part of the feudal lands of Savoca and until 1812 it belonged to the bishops of Messina. From 1928 to 1939 the abolished commune was joined to that of Santa Teresa di Riva. The inhabitants devote themselves to primary activities. The main church (Sant'Onofrio) with a baroque facade houses an Epiphany by G. Camarda (1626), a precious marble after and, in the treasury, a statue of the saint in embossed silver and a 17thC. Chalice. Nearby, on the left bank of the Agrò river rises the church of saint Pietro e Paolo, of Basilian origin, rebuilt in 1172 by the master builder Gerardo il Franco. Running along the outer walls, in alternate layers of bricks, lava and limestone are slim pilaster strips, connected to intertwining pointed arches, crowned by crenellated work. The interior has three naves with semi-circular apses, the center one being rectangular.

CASTROREALE
This village was probably founded by the Siculans in the 8th C. B.C.. It immediately became of strategic importance for its position controlling the Milazzo valley. Roger I gave it as a baronet privilege to Goffredo Borrello (1092); Frederick of Aragon stayed here granting it generous privileges. Charles 5th gave it the title of town. In 1848 after surrender of Messina to Bourbons, it was the headquarters of the of the provincial authorities and gave refuge to fugitives from Messina. The Tower of Frederick II is conserved here, the remains of the castle the Aragonese king rebuilt in the 14th century. The church of the Assunta flanked by a 16th century bell tower, houses a statue of Saint Cathrine made in 1534 by Antonello Gagini, also responsible for the "Annunciation" dated 1519 to be admired in the church of Saint Agata. In the church of Santa Maria del Gesù is the tomb of Geronimo Rosso again by A. Gagini.
Every 25th of August great celebrations are held when a crucifix is carried in grant procession. The area of Castroreale is particularly beneficial to the health, well served by the road network linking it with the nearby villages, including Castroreale Terme, within the boundaries of the commune of Terme Vigliatore.

CASTELMOLA
Castelmola is a small medieval town perched on a mountain-peak overlooking Taormina and lies about 550 mts (1580 ft) above the sea level offering a magnificent view of the sea, Taormina, the coast of Calabria and Mt. Etna.
It counts slightly more than 1000 inhabitants. Very famous for the production of almond-wine and embroidery. The town center has two churches, the Mother Church which is a hodgepodge of architectural styles, and the Church of St. George, which dates from 1450 and is noted for its bell-tower. St. George's day, april 23, is a popular attraction for people who enjoy patronal festivals.
Many places are to be visited, such as the spanish castle (14th century) or the St. Antonio square, the "belvedere" (scenic point), the Cathedral and all the typical medieval narrow streets. Mountains, hills and valleys beyond Castelmola abound with wild flowers, shrubs and trees and landscape is particularly scenic.

CASTIGLIONE DI SICILIA
Small town of very old origin, dominates the beautiful valley of Alcantara from above its rock. The town gets its name from "Castel Leone" which rises on the grindstone where 730 years b.c. an observation point was erected by the Greeks. In the following centuries Normans, Swabians and Arabs each brought new culture and costumes. Today Castiglione offers a urban plan of great interest, original embroidery, excellent red wine and savory gastronomic delicacies (very good are the noodles whit nettle).

CESARÒ
In the Mt. Soro range of the southern Nebrodi Mountains this village stands on the watershed between the Cuto and Troina streams. In 1334 Frederick II donated the village to Cristoforo Romano, a strategist from Messina. Raised to a duchy by Charles II in favor or Antonio Ippolito (1634) the village than passed to the Colonna family. The economy is based on same small cottage industries and on agriculture.
Little of the castle has survived. The main church is baroque, houses a 15th century Crucifix painted on a tablet. This is the place of lovers of mountain-excursions. Nearby is the Femmina Morta pass. Near Cesarò you get splendid views embracing the western slopes of Etna, woods and an artificial lake, the so-called Biviere di Cesarò. The many possible excursions are best made with the aid of a guide. For the celebrations of the Assunta the meadows are dotted with bonfires, lit in honor of the Madonna.

FIUMEDINISI
In the south eastern Peloritan mountains, the village is clustered in a bend of the Fiumedinisi river, close to its mouth. Its lords from 1320 were Roger di Vallone, Giaimo di Villanova and the Colonna family. The main church conserves two 16th C. sculptures, by the Florentine M. Montanini and the artist from Messina R. .Bonanno.

FLORESTA
This village in the eastern Nebrodi mountains lies in a saddle between Mt Pistone and the Serre di Baratta. The houses, built in a ribbon plan, form the highest village on the island. Founded in the 17th century, it was the feudal territory of Antonio Quintana Duegnas, his daughter Melchiora and, from 1675 to the end on the 18th C. of Paolo Ardiono.

FORZA D'AGRÒ
It is basically a medieval village dramatically overlooking the Ionian Sea at 15 Km (9 miles) from Taormina. Impressing are the surrounding spurs of the southern Peloritani mountains carved by the rivers which in winter erode their rocky banks.
In 1117 Forza D'Agró was given by Count Roger and his son to the Basilian monks of the great monastery of the Saints Pietro e Paolo. The principal economic resources are agriculture and stock farming.The winding route to the village opens sweeping views of the coasts of Taormina an Calabria as far as the Strait of Messina. The village is dominated by the remains of the castle of the 16. century, today used as a cemetery.

FRANCAVILLA
Francavilla di Sicilia is a medieval city which grew around a norman castle and the basilian monastery of San Salvatore di Placa, founded in 1092 upon the ruins of another. The door of the old Matrice, decorated with a vine leaf motif and dated in 1493 is particularly interesting. The Cappucini convent, built in 1585, is still in good condition. There is a splendid carved wood altar and two precious painted wood relics in the church. However one of the most beautiful work in wood is the crucifix of Moio Alcantara in the parochial church ( 1700s ). The crucifix is of Father Umile da Petralia. Of particular interest is the Frati Minori convent (1700) in Malvagna and Motta Camastra, small picturesque village.

GALLODORO
Situated in the southern Peloritans mountains to the left of the Letojanni river, this village is not far from the Ionian coast. Formerly part of the Taormina territory, in1632 it was puchased by the Reitano family.

GIARDINI NAXOS
Situated below Taormina, with his lovely bay, a splendid sea, in a flat coastal position.
Naxos was the first Greek colony in Sicily, founded in 735 B.C. by Chalcidians of Euboea. To commemorate the event, a monument in bronze was erected at the very tip of Naxos - Capo Schisó: the NIKE.
Naxos is archeologically one of the very few remaining chances to study the most ancient aspects of Greek urbanistics.The fertile sunny position, convenient for boats, must have been the reason for the choice made by the colonizers.From the 18th C. onwards the village of citrus farmers and fishermen lived simply in this "village of gardens", that's where the name Giardini (Gardens) comes from. A visitor to Giardini will also recall that Garibaldi (the italian hero who unified Italy starting a liberation-expedition from Sicily) left from the port of Giardini to land in Calabria. A monument commemorates the event.

GORGES OF ALCANTARA
The river Alcantara marks the boundary between the Provinces of Messina and Catania. The Greeks called the river "Akesines" , the Arabs " Al-cuantara" ( "the bridge"). Along 48 Km (30 miles) of its lenght it brushes up against the territory of Randazzo and flows on towards the coast, separating the volcano Mt.Etna from the mountains to the north.
The spectacular gorges were created by the erosion and cooling of the lava flowing from the crater of Mount Dolce, between Linguaglossa and Randazzo, on the Etna massif.
The gorges show the inner part of the flow with the splendid, columnar fissures of magma rapidly cooled by the gushing water. More than 20m (57 ft) deep the gorges have bizzarre basalt prisms dotted here and there with cool spontaneous vegetation.

ITÀLA
Situated in the south eastern Peloritan mountains, Itála lies on the southern slopes of Monte Scuderi. The houses are scattered on the banks of the Itála river. Marina d'Itála is situated at its outlet to the Ionian sea. Existing in Norman times, the village was donated by Roger to the monastery of San Pietro, built by him. From 1928 to 1947 the village was annexed to that of Scaletta Zanclea. Its economy is based on agriculture, commerce, summer tourism and wood working.
The main church conserves two precious 14th century painted crucifixes. In the Croce district the Church of San Pietro (1093) has conserved the traits of the Norman Basilian construction: it has a Basilica plan with three naves and three apses, the exterior enlivened with blind and tiered arches in fired brick and limestone.

LETOJANNI
Situated on the Ionian coast north of Taormina, Letojanni extends along the eastern Sicilian trunk road, on both sides of the outlet of the Letojanni river.A small hamlet coming under Gallodoro, it expanded in the last century and with Gallodoro in 1880 it obtained administrational equality, maintained until 1952 when Letojanni and Gallodoro became two autonomous communes.
Tourism has developed here, favored by good reception facilities, and flanks agriculture and fishing.

MANDANICI
This village is in the Peloritan mountains at the southern foot of Monte Cavallo. Mandanichium belonged to the Basilian monastery, founded by Roger the Norman, until 1475, when it passed to the secular clergy.
The land is filled with vineyards, olive groves, orchards, woods and pasturelands, favoring stock rearing.

SAVOCA
Savoca is situated on the low southern slopes of the Peloritan mountains. It was founded in the first half of the 12. century and was first mentioned in 1415 when it already belonged to the archibishops of Messina. The economy is agricultural and based mainly on the cultivation of citrus fruits.
Only ruins remain those of the norman castle. The church of San Michele, 15th century in origin, has two lovely gothic doors and houses a coeval painting of San Michele. The main Church, erected in the 16th C, has a lovely Renaissance door, two smaller gothic doors and a rose window; alongside it is a 15th C. bell tower.