MESSINA, SICILTY AND TAORMINA - DAY 2

MESSINA, SICILY AND TAORMINA

Messina is the third largest city in Sicily with a population of 300,000.  The city is only two miles from mainland Italy.  Messina has suffered many earthquakes over the centuries, however, the quake of 1908 destroyed most of the city and killed almost two-thirds of the population.  The city also saw major damage during World War II. 

In spite of massive destruction over the years, some of the most important monuments remained standing, including The Cathedral.  It has been reconstructed along its 11th century lines. 

Driving up the coast on our shore excursion to Taormina

Taormina is a town with both a Greek and Roman flavor, approx. 35 miles from Messina.  Most of the buildings date back to the Middle Ages and overlook the coastline. 

Catania Gate is one of the city gates

Church of San Nicola, which looks similar to a fortress, was built around 1400 on the ruins of an ancient church. 

Church of San Giuseppe was built during the 2nd part of the 17th Century.

Mythological pony

Beautiful view of coast from Taormina, sometimes called the Sicilian Monte Carlo.  

Taormina's mansions

At the middle of Duomo Square is a baroque fountain made of Taormina rocks.  On the top is a female centaur.

It was fun walking along the small twisting medieval streets and shopping in the various quaint shops!  There were colorful ceramics everywhere.

Terra cotta pots on display for sale

One of the merhorse fountains.

Second story flower garden

The major attraction in Taorina is the Greek Theater (Greco-Roman).  Greek tragedies are still presented here because of the wonderful acoustics. 

My camera ran out of batteries so I borrowed this picture from the internet.  This is a famous view of Mt. Etna looking out from the Greek Theater.  Mt. Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe.