Ancient Ruins and Historical Sites

Taormina’s archaeological landscape spans centuries, from the 2nd-century Roman Odeon and thermal baths to medieval defensive structures. Key sites include the Saraceno Castle perched on Monte Tauro and the stone gates of Porta Catania and Porta Messina. The surrounding area features Iron Age necropolises like Cocolonazzo, Byzantine burial sites, and submerged Roman columns near the coast, providing a detailed look at the region's Greek, Roman, and medieval history.

Porta Catania

Also known as the Porta del Tocco, this 1440 stone gateway marks the western entrance to the historic center and features the Aragonese coat of arms.

Saraceno Castle

A medieval fortress situated 397 meters above sea level on Monte Tauro. Built on the site of an ancient Greek acropolis, it served as a strategic defensive point.

Odeon romano sec. II d.C.

A small Roman theater built in the 2nd century AD. It was primarily used for musical and literary performances and is located behind the Church of Saint Catherine.

Castello di Castelmola

A 9th-century Norman fortification built to defend the village of Castelmola. The ruins offer panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian coast.

Messina Gate

The northern entrance to the city, originally part of the defensive wall system. It marks the start of Corso Umberto.

Castello di San Filippo

Medieval fortification ruins located near the Alcantara Valley, historically used for regional defense and surveillance.

Terme Romane

Remains of a Roman bathing complex featuring brickwork and drainage systems, illustrating the ancient city's infrastructure.

Vecchi pozzetti romani dell’antica Milia

Ancient Roman water wells or cisterns located near Castelmola, part of the historical supply system for the settlement of Milia.

Necropoli di Cocolonazzo

An Iron Age burial site dating back to the 9th–8th century BC, consisting of rock-cut tombs characteristic of the Siculian culture.

Tombe Bizantine

Rock-cut burial chambers dating to the Byzantine era, located along the slopes leading toward the Greek Theater.

Necropolis

Ancient burial grounds featuring various tomb styles from different historical periods, located outside the original city walls.

Antica Garita

A small ancient sentry box or guard hut used for coastal surveillance and defense.

scuba - Colonne romane

Submerged Roman marble columns located on the seabed near Capo Taormina, likely the remains of an ancient shipwreck.