Taormina - Definition

Taormina is a town on the island of Sicily in Italy, and in ancient times was a Greek colony (Tauromenium), dating from c.400 BCE, which submitted to Roman authority in 212 BCE. It has been popular with tourists since the 19th century.

Taormina is very attractive to tourists, with beautiful beaches (accessible via a Funicular) by the Ionian sea — remarkably warm and with a high salt content. Grotto tours are available, though over-priced and quite disappointing. Taormina is built on an extremely hilly coast, and is about forty-five minuute's drive away from Europe's largest active volcano, Mount Etna. The countryside is dotted with small traditional villages, filled with ice-cream shops, unique churches, and friendly villagers. Taormina also has a large amphitheatre, which hosts concerts by contemporary artists such as Peter Gabriel and Alanis Morisette. Taormina is accessible from the larger cities of Messina and Catania via highways (autostradas).

Wilhelm von Gloeden worked here most of his life as photographer of mainly male nudes.

See also

European archaeology

External link

• Historical sketch of Tauromenium (http://www.taormina-network.it/english/roman.htm)