Villa Comunale (Taormina Public Gardens), Taormina (must see)

Lady Florence Trevelyan, born in New Castle on Tyne, England, a gardener by profession, was in love. Unfortunately, she was in love with the future King Edward VII of England. This could not be. Queen Victoria sent Florence packing. She settled in Taormina in 1884. She married the Mayor, Salvatore Cacciola, and planted a garden.

Lady Florence purchased several bits of land in Taormina after she arrived. The first was Beautiful Island (Isola Bella), where she built a house and planted an exotic garden. She acquired parcels of land on the hillside between Bagnoli Croce and Giardini on the shore. Here she planted more gardens with follies called "hives."

After Florence's death, the lands were taken by the municipality. They are called Florence Trevelyan Park (Parco Florence Trevelyan). It is the most beautiful park in Taormina. The winding paths lead to a wide variety of local and exotic flora, fountains, and Victorian "follies." It is a perfect retreat for weary travelers, visitors, and locals alike.