Porta Messina (Messina Gate), Taormina
Passing through the Catania Gate (Porta Catania) and following the busy pedestrian street of Corso Umberto, we ultimately come to Messina Gate (Porta Messina), so-called because it is, literally, the entrance to Messina from Taormina.
In ancient times, Taormina was defended by a circular system of three fortified walls. Bits of these walls can still be seen today. Pieces appear by the Clock Tower in the center of town and at the two entrances of the Corso, Messina Gate, and Catania Gate.
Catania Gate dates from 1440 when it was last restored by the Aragonese occupiers. Messina Gate was completely restored in 1808, leaving no trace of an earlier version. When the gate was restored it was renamed Ferdinand Gate (Porta Ferdinanda) in honor of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, King of Naples, and future King of The Two Sicilies.
The names and titles didn't stick after Italian unification. People went back to calling the gate "Porta Messina."
In ancient times, Taormina was defended by a circular system of three fortified walls. Bits of these walls can still be seen today. Pieces appear by the Clock Tower in the center of town and at the two entrances of the Corso, Messina Gate, and Catania Gate.
Catania Gate dates from 1440 when it was last restored by the Aragonese occupiers. Messina Gate was completely restored in 1808, leaving no trace of an earlier version. When the gate was restored it was renamed Ferdinand Gate (Porta Ferdinanda) in honor of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, King of Naples, and future King of The Two Sicilies.
The names and titles didn't stick after Italian unification. People went back to calling the gate "Porta Messina."
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Porta Messina (Messina Gate) on Map
Sight Name: Porta Messina (Messina Gate)
Sight Location: Taormina, Italy (See walking tours in Taormina)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Taormina, Italy (See walking tours in Taormina)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Taormina, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Taormina
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Taormina Introduction Walking Tour
Dionysius I, also known as Tyrant of Syracuse, permitted his army commander Andromachus to make a settlement in Taurmenium at the foot of Mount Etna in 396 BC. From its very beginning, Taormina has been the most desirable conquest of the great powers of the Mediterranean.
Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Normans, Swabians, French, Spanish, and Arogonese have all taken turns cross-pollinating... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Normans, Swabians, French, Spanish, and Arogonese have all taken turns cross-pollinating... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles