| Modern Taormina is a refined
centre built on Monte Tauro
and sits snugly between rocky
slopes and the smooth Ionian
Sea, not forgetting the lush
beaches of Mazzarò,
Lido Spisone and Mazzeo.
Taormina can claim to be
the most celebrated tourist
resort in the whole of Sicily.
It first attracted travellers
in the 18th century by offering
accommodation following the
suppression of the religious
guilds in 1866.
But its name really took
off in 1868 when Prussian
Baron Ottone Geleng was inspired
by Goethe to see this corner
of Italy for himself.
The Baron spent his time
painting and his work was
soon exhibited in Paris. Taormina
then became a magnet for Europe's
elite.
Another stroke of good fortune
was an outbreak of cholera
in Palermo which encouraged
the nobility of the city to
take refuge in 1875.
The sumptuous villas are
a result of this period. Modern
Taormina should be taken in
along "Corso Umberto"
which winds its way from Porta
Messina to Porta Cavea.
Visitors should linger and
admire the fine shops. Look
out for the top italian brands,
as well as typical Sicilian
products such as hand made
ceramics, 'ferro battuto'
or wrought iron and leather
work.
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