Skip to main content
AIRPORT TRANSFER - Book now
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Please, insert the date
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input

Saracen Castle in Taormina

Saracen Castle - Taormina

The Saracen Castle (Castello saraceno) is situated in an elevated position above Taormina, at about 397m high.

Most probably it was the site of the antique acropolis of the Greek town of Taormina. The Romans and later the Byzantines must have strengthened the site. In 902 AD the town fell to the Muslims after a siege of 2 years. They rebuilt the castle into its present form with a trapezoid plan adapted to the shape of the rock and crenellated walls.

You can get to the castle via a staircase that starts from the church of the Madonna della Rocca climbs up to reach the door.

The remains of this fortification are constituted by the imposing tower, the walls on which is implanted a tower, a cistern and an underground corridor.

Monte Tauro Castle, otherwise known as the "Taormina Castle", property of the Sicilian Region and part of the "Naxos Taormina Archaeological Park", was reopened to public access on May 7, 2024, after 34 years of closure. Visitors can now explore this ancient historic monument and enjoy the magnificent panorama from the summit of Mount Tauro.

Saracen Castle

Related articles

Corso Umberto I

Corso Umberto - Taormina
The street follows the route of the ancient Consolare Valeria, the main thoroughfare in the original Greco-Roman settlements. This pedestrian steet provides a lively promenade for tourists and is lined with elegant shops and restaurants. Placed half-way between Taormina’s two main gates, is Piazza IX Aprile, the town’s main square. Located in the south side of the piazza is the Clock Tower or Porta di Mezzo which forms the passageway leading from the Greek-Roman part to the Medieval part…
Read more

Saracen Castle

Saracen Castle - Taormina
The Saracen Castle (Castello saraceno) is situated in an elevated position above Taormina, at about 397m high. Most probably it was the site of the antique acropolis of the Greek town of Taormina. The Romans and later the Byzantines must have strengthened the site. In 902 AD the town fell to the Muslims after a siege of 2 years. They rebuilt the castle into its present form with a trapezoid plan adapted to the shape of the rock and crenellated walls. You can get to the castle via a staircase…
Read more

Badia Vecchia

Badia Vecchia - Taormina
The palace Badia Vecchia (Old Abbey) was built in the fourteenth century and was originally a tower in defense of the walls of Taormina. According to some scholars, the building is called Badia because it was an Abbey, where lived Mother Abbess Euphemia, regent since 1355 of the Kingdom of Sicily. The Badia Vecchia was restored in the fourteenth century, which led to the installation of numerous ornaments. For example you can notice the fine frame that divides the first from the second floor…
Read more
Related Articles