From the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Rocca to the Castle, Mount Tauro dominates and enchants Taormina.

Taormina: tourist destination full of attractions at 360-degree. The pearl of the Ionian Sea received considerable recognition just a few weeks ago, making its debut in the traditional ranking of the Panorama Turismo – Mare Italia of the Jfc Italian Observatory, returning among the most sought-after destinations in Italy. Sea, but not only. If Taormina is known and renowned throughout the world it also owes it to one of its pillars. Monte Tauro dominates and enchants the city. An indissoluble bond that binds history, tradition, culture and religiosity.

Right on Monte Tauro there are two symbols of Taormina: the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Rocca and the Castle. The first has very ancient origins. The church was built taking advantage of the cave-like shape of the existing rock, so much so that part of its ceiling is made of living rock. Its name derives precisely from this characteristic and unique element of its kind, strongly supported by Abbot Francesco Raineri with the help of the Archbishop of Messina Geronimo Venero, around 1640. We therefore owe Father Raineri the possibility of admiring the church today which in reality, according to the writings found, should date back to around five centuries ago, with King Roger II, and then brought to light by the renovation which took place in the 17th century. In recent days an important step has been taken towards the valorisation of such a sacred destination. The safety and redevelopment work on the path that leads from Via Circonvallazione to the Sanctuary, one of the most evocative routes, has been completed.

The Arab-Norman Castle, Saracen Castle or Monte Tauro Castle, stands majestically at 397 meters high, offering a unique 360-degree panorama. From here the view embraces the Strait of Messina, the Ionian side, the Alcantara valley, the slopes of Etna and, towards the west, the city of Catania and the Peloritani Mountains. Precisely because of its privileged position it is also nicknamed “the Castle of the Four Views“.

It can be reached via a suggestive panoramic staircase carved into the rock that starts from the small church of the Madonna della Rocca. The structure, with its characteristic trapezoidal shape, still retains the high perimeter walls, a lookout tower, a rainwater cistern, an underground corridor used for supplies and two visitable caves. A spectacular fan-shaped staircase leads to the keep, the highest part of the Castle.

The tour allows you to explore these fascinating spaces and discover the history and architecture of the site thanks to innovative tools. Visitors will receive:

• A digital audio guide, accessible directly from their smartphone, linked to the panels along the route.

• An interactive digital map, available in multiple languages, with 21 points of interest.

The castle is open every day from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Hours may vary in other periods of the year. Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket office or online at the following link: www.castelloditaormina.it/biglietto-online/ Furthermore, Taormina Castle is available year-round as a unique location for private events, weddings, corporate events, photo shoots, and institutional ceremonies.

Visit the website www.castelloditaormina.it or write for more information to: info@castelloditaormina.it