The Naumachia of Taormina is an ancient monument located near the ancient Forum, now Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, in the Giardinazzo neighborhood. Built during the Roman era, specifically in the 2nd century AD, it is formed by a 122-meter long and 5-meter high brick retaining wall. Its construction was carried out next to a pre-existing wall made of squared blocks, which was part of the Greek stoa of the city.
The name Naumachia comes from the Latin expression “naval battle” and was improperly given to the monument by the Dutchman Jacques-Philippe D’Orville in 1764, who interpreted it as an area for representations of naval battles. However, this interpretation was later denied by other scholars, who instead interpreted the Naumachia as a large Ginnasio gymnasium adjacent to the Forum area, where the psycho-physical education of young people was taken care of.
The structure was formed by a large water tank, which served for the water supply of the middle part of the city and for the feeding of the fountains present in the 18 large niches, decorating the exposed part of the wall. Alternating with small niches containing statues of deities and heroes.
The Naumachia of Taormina was brought to light in 1943 and currently represents a unique and fascinating attraction for visitors interested in Roman history and Sicilian culture.
