Taormina Castle

Taormina Castle, locally known as Castello di Taormina or Castello Saraceno, sits on a hill above the town of the same name, in the Messina province on the island of Sicily, Italy.

The construction date of Taormina Castle is unknown. Most likely, it was the site of the ancient acropolis of the Greek town of Taormina. The Romans and later the Byzantines probably strengthened the site.

The town fell to the Muslims in 902 AD, after a two-year siege. They reconstructed the castle into its current form, with a trapezoid plan adapted to the shape of the rock and crenelated walls.

In 1078, the Norman Count Roger I of Sicily, captured Taormina from the Muslims. By 1134, the castle was used by the San Salvatore la Placa monastery.

In 2024, the castle reopened after being closed to visitors for 34 years. When I visited in 2011, it was still closed. So, hopefully, I will be able to visit it once more.

Today, Taormina Castle functions as a small museum, part of the Naxos-Taormina Archaeological Park, and can be visited for a fee. It is a very charming castle. On a hill above the castle, there is another fortress: Castelmola Castle.

Gallery