Description of the attraction
The fortress-like cathedral of Taormina was built in the 15th century on the ruins of a small medieval church. The cathedral, dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, has a traditional Latin cross in the plan - a central nave and two side chapels, in which six small altars are installed. The nave is supported by six monolithic columns, three on each side, made of pink Taorman marble. The column capitals are decorated with feathers and scales. The wooden beams on the nave ceiling are supported by a carved cornice depicting Arabian subjects, but in the Gothic style. The very remarkable main portal of the cathedral was rebuilt in 1636 and is distinguished by a huge round rosette window in the Renaissance style.
One of the main attractions of the Duomo is the so-called Byzantine Madonna, also known as "not made by hands". This icon was accidentally discovered inside an ancient wall - probably, it was placed there to hide from the numerous foreign invaders who ravaged Taormina more than once during the Arab rule in Sicily. Although the ministers of the church claim that it was walled up there by angels - that is why it is called "not made by hands." The icon is a painting, painted in oil on a thin board and decorated with silver and semiprecious stones. Undoubtedly made in the Byzantine era, it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In the square in front of the Cathedral, on three concentric steps, there is a beautiful Baroque fountain, built in 1635 from local marble. On each of the four sides of the fountain, small columns can be seen supporting bowls; mythical ponies rise above them, and the water pouring from their mouths fills the fountain. On the east side is the fourth bowl, the largest of all, but not in use today as it served as a watering hole for animals. In the center of the fountain you can see a small octagonal bowl with four putti - a sculptural image of cupids, and three fur seals. Also in the composition of the fountain, you can see a basket of fruits, on which the coat of arms of Taormina stands - usually it depicts a male centaur, but in this case it is a female centaur.
