In the very heart of Taormina, on
the main street.
Built on the site of the Roman odium ancient exterior, very simple
and elegant. Elaborate with baroque touches,
white stucco, gilding
and paintings. Well lit interior. It holds up to 100 people.
This church is just minutes from
the ancient Greek theatre and dates back to the Augustinian age and
the remains
are visible inside the church.
Modifications and additions were made in the following
centuries creating what is the present structure.
One of the most popular churches of Taormina for Catholic weddings.
The exact construction date of this church, consecrated to
St.Catherine of Alexandria in Egypt and located in the centre of the
city opposite Palazzo Corvaja, is not known. It is thought to date
back to 1663, the year engraved on the tablet of the ossuary found
outside the church and now located in the wall beside the staircase
which leads to
the crypt. The facade of the sacresty is decorated with two small windows ornated with sea
shells, the same decoration used
on the architrave of its door.
As
it was built on the ruins of the Odeon, the remains of which can be
seen behind the church, part of the orchestra and scene were
destroyed. The scene of the Odeon is believed to have been created
using the colonnade of a pre-existent Greek temple dedicated to
Aphrodite.
Chiesa Madonna Della Rocca
Just a 5 minute drive from the
centre of Taormina, up a winding road situated on the summit of Monte Tauro,
the Madonna della Rocca Sanctuary has, perhaps, one of the most
beautiful and evocative panoramas in
Taormina, rising at 348 metres above sea level.
The origins of the sanctuary dates back to the 12th century, during the
Norman domination.
Rebuilt and restored in 1640,after it had been abandoned, exploiting the shape of the rock that forms a grotto at
that point, the Sanctuary continues to exist and to be one of the favourite destinations
for weddings and for
all tourists.
It holds up to
100 people.
The architecture is modest and rustic in style, with a low rocky ceiling
making it resemble a cave.
Through a secret passage leading to a small courtyard visitors encounter
a large stone crucifix that can be
admired from the town below.
The views from here are even more breathtaking and couples can take
advantage for having photos taken. The crucifix was built in 1930, it is illuminated at night so that it can
be seen from many angles in Taormina.
Chiesa di San Pancrazio
Just outside the main arches of
Taormina centre (2 minutes by foot).
Enclosed in a beautiful Roman
cloister, a very ancient church. The outside reminds one of Roman
antiquities.
Elaborate, well lit with ancient frescoes, gold leaf,
stuccoes and dark woods. A rich interior, hundreds of years old.
It
holds up to 100 people.
This church is
built on what is left of a temple dedicated to Giove Serapide, one
side of which has been preserved by incorporating it in the
structure of the church.
The entire church is secluded and inside a wonderful cloister dating
over 600 years.
A unique setting for photos and weddings. Only minutes walking from
the heart of Taormina.
The church consecrated to the Patron of Taormina, St. Pancras,
Bishop and martyr, was built on the ruins
of a Greek temple
dedicated to Jupiter Serapis. Parts of the temple's cell can still
be seen in the southern
wall of the church.
This church is in Barocco style and dates back to the second part of the 16th century.
Its main portal is
very interesting with jambs and architraves in
Taormina stone; two Ionian columns decorate each side of
the portal. Inside the church the intermediate floor with the organ can be seen
above this portal. A low
railing in wrought iron separates the rest of the church from the
main altar which is lavishly decorated with polichrome marble slabs
and an Ionian column on each side. There are eight angels on the altar, four on each side, and
a bust of God giving his blessing.
