Monte Tauro Castle

Taormina, Italy

Built by the Arabs about 400 meters high on the rock of Monte Tauro, the Castello Saraceno allowed to dominate on Taormina and its beautiful bay, and control the valley of the river Alcantara. The area of Monte Tauro coincided, in greek-Roman times, with the seat of the ancient acropolis less Taormina, Tauromenium. Castelmola represents the upper. It is likely that Muslims have used the fortress to defend themselves from the siege of the Normans of 1079. On that occasion the Count Roger, building a series of wooden towers all around the fortress, isolated himself in fact Muslims barricaded there, cutting them every type of supply. The only months hard resistance. Saraceno Castle of Taormina was during the reign of Frederick II, delivered to a noble castle. Today it is possible to appreciate the external walls of the building. Internal ones, however, were destroyed.

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Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

www.thatstaormina.com

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Chung-Hae Casler (3 months ago)
Marie was very welcoming and efficient at the front desk when we checked in. The rooms are very clean, spacious, comfortable and quiet. The bathroom has a great shower, and for having a king bed, there are two sinks, which is very nice. The views are wonderful from every room because each floor is built into the hillside., facing the Ionian Sea. The front check in lobby is on the eighth floor, Restaurant on the seventh floor, and then all the rooms are down below, with the swimming, pool and grill and bar on the ground floor. The buffet breakfast was all that one could desire, with two FUNCTIONAL cappuccino machines & sparkling wine to make yourself a nice mimosa to start your day! I would definitely come back again next time I’m in Taormina, Sicily.
Stanislas T (3 months ago)
A review from 2013, why not ? The view was outstanding. Rooms were very comfortable although the bathrooms were a bit dated. The breakfast was always well stocked and the Sicilian orange juice was exceptional. The staff was very kind. I fondly remember Giuseppe managing the pool, constantly moving the sunbeds and sunshades so guests could enjoy their day, that truly was a top end service. He also made sure guests would not leave their belongings unattended for too long. There also was a very friendly woman in her 20/30s at the lobby. I unfortunately forgot the name of the main waiter at dinner but he was very classy and we got along very well. Transfers from/to CTA airport had been booked with the hotel as well, E-Class W210 on arrival, S-Class W220 on departure. Very professional drivers. Best location near the Villa Comunale di Taormina and Teatro Antico di Taormina.
Theodora Byrne (3 months ago)
We spent a week here for our honeymoon. The hotel was great; it was quiet, the pool was so beautiful, breakfast was tasty with good variety, the staff were friendly and accommodating, and the location was excellent, right by the town, less than 5 minutes walk to shops and restaurants. The valet parking service was also very convenient!
Marie Fontana (4 months ago)
In July I booked a Junior suite with premium sea view for myself and my family. I think it was a King bed with 2 singles, I Wasn't sure what to expect. After travelling around for two weeks it was a pleasure to spend 4 nights here. The hotel is in an excellent position and 5 mins away from town. We had a fantastic view of the water and Mount Etna. Breathtaking! From when we first walked in the service we received was amazing. The room and the pool was fantastic. The breakfast was splendid will a lot of variety and fresh sweets daily. Thank you to all the staff that made our stay so comfortable and welcoming. Everyone at reception, Antonio and others at the pool. All the wonderful staff in restaurant and the wonderful people cleaning our room. This was the highlight of our holiday and highly recommend any one to stay here. Grazie Mille Maria. Antonio and family
Antonija Sahin (5 months ago)
Really cute hotel the balconies look straight to the pool and the sea. It has a beautiful atmosphere. There's towel service at the pool. There's no access to the beach but that's okay. The breakfast was incouded in our rate and it was good again with a beautiful view. Walking distance everywhere.
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