Giardini Naxos

The Foundation of the First Greek Colony

The history of Giardini Naxos is inextricably linked to the ancient city of Naxos, which is considered the first Greek colony in Sicily. It was founded around 734 BC by settlers from Chalcis (on the island of Euboea) and likely from the Cycladic island of Naxos. The expedition was led by an oikist (colony organizer) named Theocles.

Factors of Establishment and Development

The choice of location for the settlement was not accidental and was determined by a series of strategic advantages that allowed the city to quickly establish itself on the coast:

• Geographical Position: The city was situated on Cape Schisò, which forms a natural and protected harbor, critical for ancient seafaring and fleet safety.
• Access to Resources: Proximity to the mouth of the Alcantara River provided access to fertile lands further inland and ensured the settlement had a fresh water supply.
• Religious Status: The Altar of Apollo Archegetes was erected here. By tradition, Greek ambassadors departing Sicily for their homeland or for sacred games would offer the first sacrifices here, asking for the protection of the gods.

Early Culture and Economy

In its early period, Naxos became a bridgehead for the further Hellenization of the island. Just a few years after its foundation, the residents of Naxos established new daughter colonies—Leontinoi and Katane (modern Catania), spreading Greek influence southward.

The ancient city's economy was based on active maritime trade and the cultivation of grapes and olive trees on volcanic soil. Archaeological finds attest to a high level of development in pottery: local ceramics were known for their elegance and followed the best Greek traditions of the time.

Key Historical Milestones

• 734 BC — Foundation of Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily, by settlers from the island of Euboea under the leadership of Theocles.
• 403 BC — Destruction of the city by the Syracusan tyrant Dionysius I, after which surviving residents were forced to relocate to Mount Tauro.
• Roman and Byzantine Periods — The territory of the bay is used as a strategic port and anchorage serving nearby Taormina.
• 13th Century — Construction of the medieval Schisò Castle on the cape of the same name to protect the coast and control sea routes.
• 17th–18th Centuries — Agricultural boom and the emergence of vast citrus plantations, which established the name "Giardini" (Gardens) for the area.
• January 1, 1847 — Giardini gains administrative autonomy and separates from the municipality of Taormina by decree of King Ferdinand II.
• August 18, 1860 — Ships carrying Nino Bixio's detachments depart from the port of Giardini as part of Garibaldi's campaign for Italian Unification.
• 1866 — Opening of the railway station, significantly simplifying communication with the major cities of Messina and Catania.
• Mid-20th Century — Beginning of active tourism infrastructure development, transforming the fishing village into a popular resort.
• 1978 — Official change of the city's name to Giardini Naxos in honor of its ancient origins.
• Late 20th Century — Opening of the Archaeological Park and Museum, housing unique finds from the Ancient Greek period.

Evolution of the Urban Landscape

The modern appearance of Giardini Naxos is the result of a smooth layering of eras, where ancient heritage sits alongside vibrant resort life. For travelers, history here is read not just in dates, but in the layout of the streets and the atmosphere of the neighborhoods.

• Linear Development Structure. The former fishing village grew along the coastline, which shaped the city's modern elongated layout. The main result of this evolution is the long promenade (Lungomare)—the resort's main artery, where residential houses, hotels, and restaurants face the sea, maintaining the historical connection between residents and the water.
• Zoning Through Archaeology. Paradoxically, the destruction of the ancient city in antiquity preserved a unique green zone for the modern era. The Archaeological Park on Cape Schisò now serves as a natural buffer, separating the port area from the beach quarters and creating an "island of tranquility" amidst the busy tourist infrastructure.
• Transformation of the Port Area. The harbor, which for centuries welcomed merchant ships and fishing boats, has today turned into a marina for yachts and motorboats. The Schisò Castle remains the dominant feature of this landscape, visually anchoring the panorama of the bay and serving as a reminder of the site's strategic importance, though it now acts as a picturesque backdrop for evening strolls.
• "Garden" Character. The city's name, referring to citrus groves, is reflected in the abundance of greenery. Unlike the densely built stone towns on the cliffs, Giardini Naxos maintains a sense of space and fertility: many hotels and villas are nestled in Mediterranean vegetation, continuing the traditions of the old agricultural lands.

Architectural Eclecticism: From Antiquity to the Present Day

The architectural landscape of Giardini Naxos is unique because it is not a single ensemble of one style. It is a "layered city," where the ruins of the first Greek colony coexist with medieval forts and modern resort developments. Urban development followed a linear path along the coast, forming the city's elongated structure.

The Ancient Period: Archaic and Classical

The oldest layer of architecture is hidden within the archaeological zone on Cape Schisò. Although the city was destroyed in 403 BC, excavations provide a glimpse into early Greek urban planning.

• Style: Ancient Greek architecture (Archaic and Classical periods).
• Features: Use of massive blocks of black volcanic stone (lava) for city walls and foundations. A clear orthogonal street layout (Hippodamian system) oriented along north-south and east-west axes.
• Landmark: Naxos Archaeological Park. Here, you can see the remains of defensive walls from the 6th century BC, the foundations of residential quarters and sanctuaries, as well as traces of pottery kilns.

Middle Ages and Renaissance: Fortification

After a long period of decline, life returned to the bay in the form of defensive structures designed to protect the coast from pirates.

• Style: Military architecture with late Medieval and Renaissance elements.
• Features: Massive walls, watchtowers, and strategic positioning on elevations near the water.
• Landmark: Schisò Castle (Castello di Schisò). Originally established in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, it dominates the port. The castle combines the austerity of a military fortress with elements of an aristocratic residence added in later centuries (such as a balcony overlooking the bay).

18th–19th Centuries: Rural and Religious Style

During this period, Giardini developed as a fishing village and an agricultural suburb of Taormina. The architecture of this time is modest, functional, and closely tied to daily life.

• Style: Sicilian Baroque (in a simplified form) and Neoclassicism.
• Features: Use of local stone, simple church facades, and bell towers integrated into the main body of the buildings.
• Landmarks:
  • Church of Santa Maria della Raccomandata (18th century): An example of simple but elegant religious architecture with a yellowish facade characteristic of the region.
  • Church of San Pancrazio: Built in its modern form in the second half of the 20th century, but on the site of an older cult, with elements referencing classical forms.

20th–21st Centuries: Resort Urbanism

The modern stage of development has fundamentally changed the city's appearance, turning it into a center for tourism.

• Style: Modernism and contemporary functional architecture.
• Features: Dense construction along the first line, dominated by hotels and apartments with terraces and balconies. The main urban element is the promenade (Lungomare).
• Landmark: Nike Statue (Nike di Kalkis). A modern monument on Cape Schisò, symbolizing the link with the Greek twin city of Chalcis. This is an example of how contemporary art integrates into a historical context, creating new visual landmarks.

The Ancient World: Founders and Legends

The history of Giardini Naxos begins in deep antiquity, so the first significant figures are associated with the era of Magna Graecia.

• Theocles
  Role: Oikist (founder of the colony), navigator.
  He led the expedition of Chalcidian Greeks who landed on Cape Schisò in 734 BC. He is considered the founder of Naxos—the first Greek colony in Sicily, which marked the beginning of the island's Hellenization.
• Tisandros
  Role: Athlete, Olympian.
  A legendary boxer (pugilist) from Naxos. He brought fame to his city throughout the ancient world, winning four consecutive victories at the Olympic Games (from 572 to 560 BC) and an equal number at the Pythian Games in Delphi.
• Dionysius I of Syracuse
  Role: Tyrant of Syracuse, general.
  Played a fateful role in the ancient city's history. In 403 BC, he captured and destroyed Naxos to its foundations, selling the inhabitants into slavery and handing the land over to the Sicels. This event ended the history of the ancient polis and gave rise to new settlements.

Modern Era and Italian Unification

In the 19th century, the quiet fishing harbor of Giardini became the stage for events that changed the map of Europe.

• Ferdinand II of Bourbon
  Role: King of the Two Sicilies.
  He played a key role in the city's administrative fate. On January 1, 1847, he signed a decree granting Giardini autonomy, separating it from Taormina and allowing it to develop as an independent municipality.
• Giuseppe Garibaldi
  Role: Italian national hero, revolutionary.
  In August 1860, he chose the port of Giardini as the departure point for his troops (the "Thousand") to cross to the mainland (Calabria). This event was a decisive maneuver in the campaign for Italian Unification. Commemorative markers are installed in the city to honor this historical moment.
• Nino Bixio
  Role: General, Garibaldi's "right hand."
  He organized the complex logistical operation of boarding Garibaldi's troops onto the steamships "Torino" and "Franklin" in the Bay of Giardini. His actions ensured the success of the night crossing of the Strait of Messina.