Corso Umberto (Umberto Street), Taormina (must see)

Umberto Street (Corso Umberto) is the vibrant all-pedestrian crosstown main street of Taormina. It follows the path of the Consolare Valeria, the ancient Greco-Roman way, from the Catania Gate (Porta Catania) directly to the Messina Gate (Porta Messina) on the other side of town. The street is named for Umberto I of Savoy, King of Italy, from 1878 to 1900.

The Corso boasts buildings, monuments, and styles from the different eras of Arabic to Norman and Gothic to Baroque, with some Romanesque and Renaissance threw in. Some Greek and Roman buildings have been replaced. The Temple of Jupiter Serapis gave way to the Church of San Pancrazio. The Odeon lies under the Church of Saint Catherine.

Halfway down the road, we come upon the April 9th Square (Piazza IX Aprile), the main square. On the south side is the Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio). Middle Gate (Porta di Mezzo) is at the base of the tower. The Tower Gate connects the old Greco-Roman section to the medieval part of town.

The Corso means shopping all the way. Designer shops mixed with touristy venues. The main shopping street of Taormina is thronged with shoppers, visitors, and locals day and night. Walking is a delight. There seems to be no end of stores, restaurants, cafes, bars, gelaterias, and historical monuments. There are also great views of Mount Etna.