Description of the attraction
Castelmola is a small town in the province of Messina, located 170 km from Palermo and 40 km from Messina and directly bordering Taormina. On an area of 16, 5 sq. Km. a little more than a thousand people live.
In ancient times, the town was called Mile, and its modern name - Castelmola - comes from the Norman castle towering above the city center on a rock in the form of a millstone ("mole" in Italian).
Castelmola was founded in the 8th century BC. At the end of the 10th century, the fierce Ibrahim, ruler of the Tunisian Kairouan, destroyed the city fortifications, ravaged the city itself, killed most of its inhabitants and left Castelmola through the gate, which has since become known as the "Gate of the Saracens." In 1078, the Norman king Roger I expelled the Arabs from Sicily and built a new city around the fortified castle, which was named Mola. From 1928 to 1947 it was part of Taormina, and later became independent.
Today the inhabitants of Castelmola are engaged in agriculture, cattle breeding and the production of souvenirs. Citrus fruits, olives, prickly pears, grapes and wheat are grown here. The tourist business is also developed - in the old town there are several interesting sights, and tourists can always buy hand-made souvenirs and exquisite embroidered products as a keepsake.
Among the top places to visit in Castelmola are the Town Hall in Piazza Cappuccini, the ruins of a 16th century castle, the 15th century church of San Giorgio with a beautiful font by Pietro da Carona, and the 16th century Cathedral. renovated in 1935. Built in 1954, Piazza San Antonio offers a beautiful view of Taormina. The square itself is paved with white stone and volcanic lava, and its sidewalks are lined with trees. This is where the facade of the church of the same name, rebuilt several times, but still retaining the features of the traditional religious architecture of southern Italy. And nearby is the famous cafe "San Giorgio", opened in the 18th century. Since 1907, its owners have been collecting autographs and words of gratitude from visitors - anyone can see the unique album.
Weather permitting, the streets of Castelmola offer a fantastic view of Taormina lying below, the coast and the massive Etna volcano towering in the distance.
