Castelmola is a small village of about 2,000 inhabitants, present in the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy. With its altitude of 550 m above sea level you can enjoy the best view over Taormina, the bay of Giardini Naxos all the way to Sant Alessio Siculo and Mount Etna. The origins of Castelmola date back to the pre-Hellenic period. The name is inspired by the shape of the large rock on which it stands, reminiscent of a “wheel”. Perhaps because of its elevated position it was the real acropolis of Taormina, and their stories are so intertwined that they cannot be distinguished one from the other. At the entrance of the village is the impressive Piazza Sant’ Antonio, built in 1954, it features a mosaic floor made of white stone and lava and the typical stone seats, and is the panoramic viewpoint overlooking Taormina. The church on the square bears the same name of the Piazza Sant’ Antonio. On the right, lies the ancient arch that marks the entrance of the village. The ruins of massive Norman walls are what is left of the castle and it is not possible to determine with accuracy the time of construction.

The main Cathedral was rebuilt between 1934 and 1935 following the architecture of the orginal cathedral, a mixture of styles ranging from Romanesque to Gothic, from Arabic to Norman, dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari.

The famous Almond Wine of Castelmola is a wine flavored liqueur that has become the specialty of the small village. You will find small lovely shops, several restaurants, bars and cafés and in summer some really interesting outdoor events. From Castelmola you can enjoy some hiking tracks in the countryside.