The Saracen Castle Castel Tauro of Taormina, located near the sanctuary of Madonna della Rocca, is a fortified construction dating back to the 9th century, built by the Saracens to defend the city against Norman invasions. The castle was also used as a defensive fortress against Saracen and Turkish invasions and later became a prison during the fascist period.
Today, the Saracen Castle of Taormina is an important tourist attraction, known for its panoramic position and suggestive medieval atmosphere. Inside the castle, you can admire numerous historical buildings including the Church of Santa Caterina and the watchtower. The church of Madonna della Rocca is one of the main attractions of the castle, built in 1594, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city of Taormina.
Among the attractions of the Saracen Castle of Taormina, the arches of the gates, the entrance portal, and the bridges stand out, which can still be admired from afar. These arches are pointed in Arab style and are a perfect example of how Arab architecture influenced Sicily. In addition, there are cisterns used to collect rainwater and an underground corridor that was used as a storage room. Traces of small stairs that led to the battlements are still visible, whose merlons withstand despite the centuries passed.
In general, the Saracen Castle Castel Tauro of Taormina is an important historical and cultural treasure of Sicily, a testimony to the important medieval period of the island and the influence of Arab populations.
Foto: wikipedia
