Castelmola
Exploring Castelmola: between history and natural beauty
If you're planning a trip to Sicily, don't miss the chance to visit Castelmola, a delightful and characteristic town just a few kilometers from Taormina. The town, which has just over a thousand inhabitants, is located on the top of a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, offering spectacular views of the Sicilian coast and the city of Taormina. Let's discover together what to see and do in Castelmola.
Physical geography
The small town of Castelmola is located about 36 kilometers south of Messina and about 49 kilometers north of Catania. The highest point of Castelmola is reached by climbing a path from Piazza Sant'Antonino, up to the ruins of a castle, and offers a breathtaking view of the Ionian coast and the city of Taormina.
History
The origins of Castelmola date back to the Iron Age and the name of the town is inspired by the shape of the large rock on which it stands, which indeed resembles a "mola". Perhaps because of its elevated position, it was once the true acropolis of Taormina, and their stories are so intertwined that it is impossible to distinguish one from the other. In 396 BC Dionysius I of Syracuse, tyrant of Syracuse, besieged Mylai, but was defeated by the Sicilians. In 392, Dionysius tried again, managing to occupy the area. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the city came under the domination of the Arabs and then the Normans. This delightful village overlooking the sea has a rich and interesting history that makes it even more fascinating to visit.
Attractions of Castelmola
You can visit Castelmola in a day, but if you want to enjoy the landscape and the surrounding natural beauty, it is better to plan a whole day or even more. Here are some of the attractions of Castelmola that you can't miss:
Piazza Sant'Antonino
The main square of Castelmola is a meeting place for residents, but also for tourists who come to visit the town. The square is surrounded by restaurants and bars, where you can taste delicious local products and admire the view of Taormina and the Ionian coast.
The castle
The castle of Castelmola, built in the eleventh century by the Normans, was destroyed by the Saracens and then rebuilt. Today only the ruins remain, offering hikers an excellent view of the town and the Ionian Sea.
The Church of San Giorgio
The Church of San Giorgio was built in the seventeenth century and is located on the top of the Castelmola hill. The interior is frescoed with tempera and paintings depicting the life of Saint George, the patron saint of the city.
The Diffused Museum of Castelmola
The Diffused Museum of Castelmola offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in local history through exhibitions of objects, ancient documents and photographs of the town.
The Public Garden
The Public Garden offers a panoramic view of the Sicilian coast and the city of Taormina. The park is located near Piazza Sant'Antonino and here visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
The surrounding nature
Castelmola is surrounded by unspoiled nature, characterized by the Peloritani Mountains and the Isola Bella Oriented Nature Reserve. Hiking, trekking and mountain biking enthusiasts will find many trails with scenic views and pine forests.
Food and drink
Local cuisine is another great attraction of Castelmola and Sicily in general. The area is famous for its fish dishes, such as pasta with sardines, but also for its pastry, including the Sicilian cassata, a dessert made with ricotta, almond paste and fruit jam.
The city is also famous for its wines, including zibibbo, nerello mascalese and carricante. Local wine is often paired with local cheeses such as Pecorino and Caciocavallo.
How to get to Castelmola
Castelmola is easily accessible by car or bus from Messina or Catania. The nearest train station is Taormina-Giardini Naxos, a few kilometers from the town. Once in Castelmola, it is possible to get around on foot, as the town is very small.
Conclusion
If you are planning a trip to Sicily, don't miss the opportunity to visit Castelmola, a characteristic town just a few kilometers from Taormina, which will give you a breathtaking view of the Sicilian coast and the city of Taormina. Castelmola is the ideal place to relax and discover the beauty of local nature and history. Prepare your camera and enjoy the view!
