Taormina

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Taormina dates back to ancient times when the Sicels—one of Sicily's indigenous tribes—settled on the slopes of Mount Tauro. However, it emerged as a fully developed city in the 4th century BC. It is believed that Tauromenium (the city's ancient name) was officially founded in 358 BC by Andromachus, the father of the renowned historian Timaeus.

The city became a new home for Greek exiles from neighboring Naxos, which had been destroyed by Dionysius I of Syracuse. This continuity from the first Greek colony in Sicily played a decisive role in the identity and early history of Taormina.

Key Factors of Growth

The transformation of a small settlement into a prosperous ancient city was driven by several factors:

• Geography and Defense: Located on a natural terrace of Mount Tauro, approximately 200 meters above sea level, the city was a virtually impregnable fortress. This vantage point allowed it to control the Ionian coast and the important Via Valeria road.
• Political Foresight: During the period of Roman expansion, Taormina successfully navigated political alliances. During the Second Punic War, the city supported Rome, earning the privileged status of a civitas foederata (allied city), which allowed it to maintain nominal independence and avoid heavy taxation.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

From its foundation, Taormina developed as a center of high Hellenistic culture. The city's economic prosperity was built on the region's rich natural resources: winemaking, olive cultivation, and the quarrying of precious marble all flourished here.

The iconic Ancient Theater serves as a symbol of this cultural and economic peak. Originally built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC for dramatic performances, it was later extensively rebuilt by the Romans for gladiatorial games, reflecting the changing eras and cultural priorities in the city's life.

Key Milestones in the History of Taormina

• 358 BC — Andromachus officially founds the city of Tauromenium, bringing together survivors from the destroyed Greek colony of Naxos.
• 212 BC — During the period of Roman expansion, the city comes under the protectorate of Rome, receiving the privileged status of an ally.
• 132 BC — Taormina becomes a central point of historical significance during the First Servile War on the island.
• 36 BC — Emperor Augustus establishes a presence in the city, leading to its development as a significant Roman colony.
• 902 — The city enters a new era under Arab influence, being renamed Al-Mu'izziyya and undergoing significant cultural and agricultural growth.
• 1079 — The Norman Count Roger I integrates the city into the Kingdom of Sicily, returning it to the fold of Western Christian culture.
• 1410 — The Sicilian Parliament meets at the historic Palazzo Corvaja to choose a new sovereign following the death of Martin I.
• 1675 — The city continues to play a role in regional European history as various powers vie for influence over the Sicilian coastline.
• 1787 — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s visit brings Taormina international fame, making it a mandatory stop on the "Grand Tour" for the European aristocracy.
• 1943 — The city begins its transition into the modern era, setting the stage for its subsequent development as a major international destination.
• 1955 — The establishment of the International Film Festival finalizes Taormina's status as a prestigious global resort and a vibrant center for the arts.

Stages of Urban and Cultural Development

The history of Taormina is not just a succession of rulers, but a gradual transformation of the town's appearance and purpose. Each era left its mark on the architecture, economy, and street planning, forming the unique ensemble we see today.

• Roman Urbanization and Infrastructure. Unlike the Greeks, who focused on the acropolis, the Romans significantly expanded residential areas and infrastructure. A vital stage was the construction of a system of reservoirs and aqueducts for water supply, as well as the reconstruction of the Greek theater for gladiatorial games, turning the town into a center for public spectacles.
• Arab Agricultural Revolution (10th Century). The period of Arab influence fundamentally changed the region's economy. Advanced irrigation systems were introduced, and citrus crops (lemons and oranges) were brought to the island. The urban layout acquired the features of an Eastern medina, with narrow, winding streets that today protect tourists from the scorching sun.
• Medieval Architectural Synthesis (14th–15th Centuries). The flourishing of the local aristocracy gave the town its unique architectural style—"Sicilian Gothic." The construction of grand residences, such as Palazzo Corvaja and Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano, shaped the historic center by blending Arab, Norman, and Gothic elements.
• Transformation into an Elite Resort (Late 19th Century). Following visits by the European cultural elite, the town's economy began to shift from agriculture to hospitality. A key moment was the opening of the first hotel, Hotel Timeo, in 1873, marking the beginning of the era of professional tourism and the influx of international interest.
• Garden and Park Transformation (Late 19th Century). Thanks to the English noblewoman Lady Florence Trevelyan, the town gained its famous green spaces. The creation of the Public Gardens (Villa Comunale), with exotic plants and architectural "follies," was a significant urban development that provided a world-class public space.
• Becoming a Cultural Capital (Mid-20th Century). Post-war development saw a shift in focus toward event-based tourism. The launch of the International Film Festival in 1955 solidified Taormina's status as a center for high society and the arts, attracting global stars and investment into the luxury segment.

Architectural Identity and Urban Planning

The urban structure of Taormina was shaped by the challenging terrain of Mount Tauro and a long history of various cultural influences. The town stretches along its main axis, Corso Umberto I, which follows the route of the ancient Via Valeria. Narrow medieval alleys branching off this main artery intertwine with the original Roman layout, creating a unique multi-layered ensemble.

Eras and Architectural Styles

Taormina's architecture is a stone chronicle of Sicily, where styles did not merely replace one another but were organically layered to form a distinctive Sicilian synthesis.

• Antiquity (Greco-Roman Period).

  The city's foundation. The Greeks utilized the natural landscape to build public structures, while the Romans introduced engineering precision and brickwork.

  Landmarks:

  • Ancient Theater (Teatro Antico): A masterpiece combining Greek acoustics with Roman monumentality (seen in the brick additions).
  • Naumachie: A majestic Roman-era retaining wall with niches that served as part of the city's water supply system, rather than a site for naval battles as previously believed.
• The Middle Ages (Arabo-Norman Style and Gothic).

  The golden age of Taormina's architecture (14th–15th centuries). It is characterized by the use of dark lava stone combined with white limestone (the "chiaroscuro" technique) and crenelated walls.

  Landmarks:

  • Palazzo Corvaja: A striking example of layered eras—a 10th-century Arab tower complemented by Norman windows and a 15th-century Gothic hall.
  • Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano: A masterpiece of Sicilian Gothic with Arab decorative elements, formerly a noble residence.
  • The Cathedral (Duomo): Built in the 13th century, it resembles a fortress ("cattedrale-fortezza") with its battlements, typical of the defensive needs of the Middle Ages.
• Baroque and Renaissance (16th–17th Centuries).

  These eras introduced decorative elements, complex portals, and fountains to the rugged medieval aesthetic. The style here is more restrained than in other parts of Sicily, adding a refined elegance to the town.

  Landmarks:

  • Piazza Duomo Fountain (1635): A Baroque fountain featuring mythological figures, topped with the town's symbol—a crowned female centaur.
  • Church of San Giuseppe: Dominating the main square, it showcases classic features of Sicilian Baroque with its double staircase and ornate facade.
  • Porta Catania and Porta Messina: The town gates, designed in a classical style, marking the boundaries of the historic center.
• Eclecticism and Art Nouveau (19th–20th Centuries).

  The era when Taormina transformed into an elite resort. European expats built villas, blending local traditions with Victorian and Neoclassical elements.

  Landmarks:

  • Villa Comunale: Public gardens created by Lady Florence Trevelyan. Here, nature meets architectural "follies"—pavilions built in Oriental and Victorian styles.

Founders and Ancient Thinkers

• Andromachus (4th Century BC) — Ruler and founder of the city.
  A key figure in Taormina's history. It was he who gathered the survivors from the destroyed city of Naxos and, in 358 BC, officially founded Tauromenium, ensuring the city's stability and prosperity. He was also the father of the historian Timaeus.
• Timaeus (c. 350–260 BC) — Ancient Greek historian.
  Born and raised in Taormina, he became one of the most influential historians of antiquity. He authored fundamental works on the history of Sicily and Italy and is credited with introducing the system of dating by Olympiads, which became a standard for Greek chronicles.

Inspirers and Creators of the Modern Image

• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) — German poet and philosopher.
  He visited the city in 1787. His glowing description of Taormina in his book "Italian Journey" as the "greatest masterpiece of art and nature" made the city famous across Europe and sparked a pilgrimage of aristocrats and artists.
• Florence Trevelyan (1852–1907) — English noblewoman and philanthropist.
  After moving to Taormina, she dedicated her life to beautifying the city. She created the famous public garden (Villa Comunale) with exotic plants and architectural pavilions and also purchased the island of Isola Bella, preserving its natural uniqueness.
• Wilhelm von Gloeden (1856–1931) — German photographer.
  He popularized Taormina as a hub for bohemian life. His artistic photographs featuring ancient motifs, set against local landscapes, attracted many artists, writers, and intellectuals to the city at the end of the 19th century.

Famous 20th-Century Residents

• D.H. Lawrence (1885–1930) — English writer.
  He lived in Taormina at the villa "Fontana Vecchia" from 1920 to 1922. Here, he drew inspiration for his works, enjoying the beauty of the Sicilian nature and the tranquility far from industrial England.
• Truman Capote (1924–1984) — American novelist and playwright.
  He resided in the town during the early 1950s. During this period, he worked on his novel "The Grass Harp" and wrote several essays about Sicily, which strengthened Taormina's reputation as a fashionable retreat for the American creative elite.