Castelmola – Lanes, Churches and Panoramic Views

Castelmola is perched steeply above the Ionian Sea. The historic village preserves medieval features, including a network of lanes with stone and wrought-iron signs. The medieval village of Castelmola can be reached via the SP10.

Churches with Different Historical Traces

The churches of Castelmola date from different periods and display various architectural features. The Chiesa Madre San Nicolò was built in 1934–1935 on the site of an existing church, which presumably dates back to the 16th century. Its construction combines Romanesque, Gothic, Arab and Norman architectural elements. The church also houses an elaborately decorated wooden organ that is still operational. Its bellows are still operated by hand using wooden levers. The Chiesa San Giorgio has a single nave. The ancient 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.

Paths, Walls and Ancient Structures

Traces of earlier periods can also be found outside the churches. The ruins of the ancient Norman walls remain from the Castello di Mola in Castelmola. Via dei Saraceni is also known as Piano delle Ficarre and is a footpath with the Antica Porta dei Saraceni; prickly pear cacti grow along the route. A tourist trail begins at Contrada Annunziata and leads to Monte Venere and the “Scalazze”. These were once created to bring nobles through the Grotta dei Monaci into the countryside. The ancient water cisterns of Castelmola date from 367 BC. The Antico Arco dates to around 900 AD and was inspired by Greco-Roman architecture.

Piazzas and Historic Townscapes

Piazza Sant’Antonino offers panoramic viewpoints overlooking Taormina, its castle, the Ionian Sea and the nearby coast of Calabria. Falconry displays were held around Castelmola’s ancient castle. At Christmastime, impressive nativity scenes were created in the lanes of Castelmola.

Plan Your Visit to Castelmola According to Your Interests

You can tailor your stay to the topics that matter most to you: churches and architectural details, medieval lanes and ancient walls, viewpoints, Via dei Saraceni, or the tourist trail from Contrada Annunziata to Monte Venere and the “Scalazze”. Every year on 23 April, Castelmola celebrates the San Giorgio patronal feast; during the celebration, the statue of the saint on horseback is carried in procession through the village lanes. At Antico Caffè San Giorgio, visitors can discover and purchase Vino alla mandorla.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

From Castelmola, you can also discover Basicò, Alicudi Porto, Campogrande, Sorrentini, Scafa, Tindari, Falcone and Contrada Lacco.

To the higher-level travel overview: Messina.