Castelmola: Views and medieval village character

Castelmola combines medieval features with views of the Ionian Sea. The historic village preserves a network of lanes with signs made of stone and wrought iron. There are also churches and architectural features from different periods.

Views and access

Piazza Sant’Antonino offers viewpoints with panoramic views of Taormina, its castle, the Ionian Sea and the nearby coast of Calabria. Castelmola lies high above the Ionian Sea on a steep slope. The medieval village can be reached via the SP10. Piazza Sant’Antonino offers the panorama; Castelmola can be reached via the SP10, while the lanes and buildings shape the village’s medieval character.

Churches with different histories

The Chiesa Madre San Nicolò was built in 1934–1935 on the site of an existing church, which is believed to date from the 16th century. It combines Romanesque, Gothic, Arab and Norman architectural elements. The elaborately decorated wooden organ is still in working order; its bellows are still operated by hand using wooden levers.

The Chiesa San Giorgio has a single nave. This means that its church interior has one main nave. The Chiesa di Sant’Antonino was built between 1400 and 1500. The Chiesa dell’Annunziata was built in 1100 by Roger the Norman. The Chiesa di San Biagio was the first church built in Castelmola.

Routes and architectural traces

Ruins of the ancient Norman walls remain at Castello di Mola in Castelmola. The Antico Arco is dated to around 900 AD and inspired by Greco-Roman architecture. Castelmola’s ancient water cisterns date from 367 BC. The Antico Arco is dated to around 900 AD; Castelmola’s water cisterns, by contrast, date from 367 BC.

A tourist trail begins at Contrada Annunziata and leads to Monte Venere and the Scalazze. These were once built to take nobles into the countryside through the Grotta dei Monaci. The Via dei Saraceni, also called Piano delle Ficarre, is a footpath featuring the Antica Porta dei Saraceni; prickly pear cacti grow along the route.

Feast day and Vino alla mandorla

Every year, the feast day of Castelmola’s patron saint, San Giorgio, is held on April 23. During the procession, the statue of the saint on horseback is carried through the village’s lanes. If you are planning a stay around this date, take the feast day into account when choosing your travel dates.

At the Antico Caffè San Giorgio in Castelmola, you can discover and buy Vino alla mandorla. If buying it is important to you, check with the café in advance to confirm what is currently available.

Discover more destinations: Santa Teresa Di Riva, Marina Di Patti, Francavilla Di Sicilia, Santa Barbara, San Pier Niceto, Rometta Marea, Capri Leone, Leni

Go to the main travel overview: Messina.