Taormina, whose name derives both from Greek Tauromenion and from Latin Tauromenium, is one of the chief town of Sicilian tourism.
Originary Sicilians' town, in 392 it was conquered by Dionysius I of Siracusa, in 358 by Anomarco, historian Timeo's father and in 345 by Corinthian general Timoleonte. It was later possession of Agatocle and Ierone II of Siracusa.
Militar walls of Mount Tauro are of medieval period. They push on as far as Castle made built at first by Arabs and finished by Normans towards the end of '300.
The most important monuments are the Covaja Palace, old seat of Sicilian Parliament; Palace of Dukes of St. Stefano, the XVth-century Ciampoli Palace, the Basilica of St. Nicolò with its inside a painting on board made by A. Giuffrè (1463-1510); the Torre dell'Orologio (Tower of the Clock) with Porta di Mezzo through which it is possible to enter in the village, ex Convent of St. Domenico with annexed the Church which keeps some original elements such as the Cloister and the bell-tower; the Old Abbey or Badiazza, a Norman battlement tower.
The most ancient and main monument of Taormina, is the theatre. It is also well kept. It was built in a wonderful panoramic place from which you can see the Etna Vulcan and the Ionian Sea.
On some steps, the name of Filistide is engraved: she was Ierone II's wife, the tyrant of Syracuse, who probably built the theatre in III century b.C.
For its dimensions the theatre of Taormina is the second of Sicily following the one of Syracuse. At the top of the tiers of seats there is a double porch that is covered by a vault.
The theatre of Taormina is now the place for cultural heppenings prizes of international scale concerts and dance shows that draw visitors from all over the world.