Set at about 500 meters above sea level, Castelmola is a typical Sicilian village,narrow streets and a winding road to reach it. This small town is on the list of most beautiful villages in Italy. It is accessible only by a winding but fascinating road, which from Taormina climbs the mountainside. There is also a beautiful and very old path, The Saracens way characterized by wild luxuriant vegetation that lead to the village.
It is a real eagle’s nest that has kept its typical medieval urban layout with its stone houses.
Discover Castelmola
Remains of the Norman castle are still visible on the top of the cliff characterizing the village. We don’t know the exact date of construction, a marble slab tells us of a byzantine origin. More probably it was originally built by the Normans but transformed during the Kingdom of Aragon.
Because of its key position along the Ionian coast, Castelmola has always had a remarkable strategic importance during the centuries.
What is striking and fascinating is the contrast between the narrow alleys of the old town centre and the width and breadth of the landscape that suddenly reveals itself overlooking downstream.
A guided tour will also give you the possibility to discover its churches:
- The Duomo, dedicated to Saint Nicholas;
- Saint George church dating back to the 15th century;
- The church of Saint Biagio;
- Our Lady of the Annunciation church.
You can admire at the same time the grandeur of Etna, the bay of Giardini Naxos, Taormina and its Greek-Roman theatre, the profile of the Peloritani Mountains and to the north S. Alessio Cape and the Strait of Messina.
The main square of castelmola is the Saint’Anthony square. It has a characteristic pavement made of white and black lava stones, they create a beautiful mosaic.
The almond wine is the typical local product, an amber liquor, created at the beginning of the XX century by the owner of the historic San Giorgio Cafè.
What to visit in Castelmola
- Castle
- George church
- Main Church
- Sicilian Middle Ages Museum
- San Giorgio Cafè
- Turrisi Cafè
