TOURIST INFORMATION Important Notice: The web sites linked in this page are maintained by the owners of the web sites themselves. These owners are the ONLY responsible for the correctness of the posted information. The organizers, the sponsors, and the technical cooperating bodies of VECIMS 2004 cannot be considered responsible in any way for the information provided by these web sites and they are not responsible for any problem or inconvenience that may occur as a consequence of their use. We therefore recommend that you verify personally the correctness of the information by contacting the desired hotel or service provider. Remember! sometimes information on the web is out of date GIARDINI-NAXOS Giardini Naxos is a well-famous seaside resort on the landward side of the lungomare, a long road running alongside the shore from Capo Schisò north-west to Taormina. Since the 1950s, the place developed into an important holiday resort, thanks partly to the attraction of nearby Taormina, which provides a splendid backdrop. EXCAVATIONS: The Archaic settlement, dating from the 7th-6th century BC, was replaced in the 4th century by a new urban scheme that was laid out on a rigidly geometrical grid pattern, possibly as a result of a reconstruction prompted by Hieron of Syracuse. The new city followed the same boundaries as the earlier; all but the old city walls and the temenos (or sacred precinct) were removed and replaced by a regular orthogonal street plan, as advocated by the 5th century BC architect urban planner Hippodamus of Miletus, with three plateiai (principal avenues - decumani in Latin: A, B, C, oriented on an east-west axis) intersected at right angles by an indeterminate number of stenopoi (minor roads or cardini). From Via Stracina, the road skirts the outer walls of the ancient city which, pierced by four gateways, are built with polygonal blocks of lava stone. These incorporate the older walls of the temenos (late 7th- early 6th centuries BC) which enclose what now are the ruins of a large temple. Heaps of stones, many of which from sacred altars, are scattered all across the site. Nearby sit two kilns: the larger rectangular chamber would have been used for firing architectural elements in terracotta, while the smaller round one served in the production of vases and votive objects. Skirt around the kilns and leave the sacred precinct by its northern entrance (or propylaeum - traces of which are still visible) to emerge onto plateia B. Follow this broad avenue some distance while surveying the way in which the separate units or blocks are disposed into the greater 5th century BC urban scheme; the crossroads are marked with identical quadrangular stones, which, possibly, once served as bases to altars. At stenopos 6, turn left towards the museum; on the left, level with stenopos 11, are the remains of a small temple from the 7th century BC. MUSEO ARCHEOLOGICO: Situated along a Bourbon fortification, the museum houses the relics from the excavations at the area. On the ground floor is pottery which testifies to the existence of settlements from Neolithic to the Bronze Age. A fragment of a bowl inscribed with Stentinello-style decoration (4th-3rd millennium BC) and other ceramics bearing Cassibile designs (1st millennium BC) are particularly interesting. A fabulous range of broken cymae (decorative roof ornaments) painted with animated elements in different colours and drip-mouldings for channelling rain water, possibly from Temple B (early 6th century BC), are displayed on the ground and first floors. Also on the upper level are arranged various examples of votive objects for hanging on the wall in the shape of a female breast or face, antefixes (decorative end-pieces) with silenus masks - testifying to the cult of Dionysus, and a fine altar reconstituted in 1990 (with one fragment retrieved from Heidelberg). Among the other exhibits to look out for are the lovely figurine of a veiled goddess (probably Hera) dated as 5th century BC and a collection of objects from a surgeon's tomb including small ointment jars, a strigil, a specillum - used by doctors to examine wounds, and a beautiful glass dish probably imported from Egypt or Mesopotamia. There is also a fine 4th century BC Thracian bronze helmet and a miniature bust of Athena (5th-6th century AD) used as a weight for scales. Inside the keep are displayed various objects found at sea; anchor shafts, amphorae and grindstones. TAORMINA Perched on a rocky spur at about 200m height, Taormina occupies a fabulous position, overlooking the sea and right opposite Etna volcano. It has been a popular destination for travellers since the 18th century, although only in the last decades it has developed into a well-known tourist resort. Many foreigners, notably British and German, have decided to build villas in the town and many illustrious figures fave sojourned there, including Emperor William II and King Edward VII, and such famous families as the Rothschilds and the Krupps. A mild climate, a splendid landscape and serene outlook have made Taormina famous worldwide. TOUR: The town centre, now reserved for pedestrians, radiates from the main thoroughfare Corso Umberto I, from which it is possible to reach all, or almost all, the main sights. THE THEATRE: Taormina's theatre was built by the Ancient Greeks, then transformed and enlarged by the Romans. What survives today dates from the 2nd century AD. It was built in such a way as to exploit the natural lie of the land. Some of the cavea steps are cut directly from the base rock. The Greek theatre conformed with the correct application of the Classical orders; it included a semi-circular orchestra section reserved for musicians, chours and dancers. The Romans removed the lower tier of steps when converting the orchestra into an arena - circular, therefore -, a shape better suited to hosting circus games; they also added a corridor to provide access for gladiators and wild animals. The red of the bricks, the white of the marble columns which still adorn the stage, the intense blue of the sky above are the predominant colors in this idyllic landscape. From the top of the cavea (auditorium), visitors and spectators can absorb the full impact of the glorious panoramic view spread before the majestic presence of mount Etna, its summit often capped with snow, sloping gently down and into the seam which, in turn, silently laps at the undulating coastline below. The magical prospect is extended all along the top of the cavea as far as the opposite left-hand corner where the outlook encompasses Taormina itself. The theatre, which continues to be used, has hosted in the past the David di Donatello prize, one of the most prestigious events in the Italian film industry. It now hosts Taormina Arte, an International review festival of cinema, theatre, ballet and music, which takes place during the summer months. CORSO UMBERTO I: What a pleasure it is to stroll along this peaceful street beginning at Porta Messina as it gently climbs up to Porta Catania, past its elegant shops, restaurants and cafés. Behind this front, extends an intricate network of side-street featuring unexpected sights and smells (like the sweet scent of marzipan fruits and almond paste wafting up from back-streets sweet-shop kitchens). Just beyond Porta Messina, at the entrance to the street, lies the Chiesa di San Pancrazio, believed to have been the earliest Bishop of Taormina. The church was built of the ruins of a temple dedicated to Zeus Serapis (note the remnants of the old wall incorporated into the building's left flank). The main front is graced with a gracious doorway made of Taormina stone, framed on each side by niches containing statues of saints. Along the street there are three lovely piazzas. PIAZZA VITTORIO EMANUELE: It occupies the site of the ancient Roman Forum. Behind the Chiesa di S. Caterina, with a fine Baroque doorway of pink marble and Taormina stone, the vestiges of the ancient buildings are still clearly visible. These red brick ruins belong to an Odeon, a small covered theatre from the Roman period (1st century AD). PALAZZO CORVAJA: The main heart of the building which includes the square tower and the central section overlooking the internal courtyard, dates from the Arab epoch. The left wing and the staircase leading to the first floor were added in the 13th century, while the right wing dates from the 15th century. Having been abandoned and left to become completely dilapidated over the years, it was completely restored after the Second World War. A succession of styles are clearly discernible: the top of the tower is Arab, the two-light windows of the state room (13th century) and the elegant front entrance are Gothic-Catalan (the stairway before it is ornamented with shallow relief panels depicting scenes from Genesis; alas, badly damaged), the so-called Sala del Parlamento (in the right wing) is Norman - so-called because the Sicilian Parliament used to meet here in the 15th century. The offices located off the courtyard, on the right, are in part occupied by APT, the Sicilian Tourist Authorities; they also display various typical Sicilian puppets and splendidly ornate Sicilian carts, intricately carved and decorated with wrought-iron fixtures. On close observation, these examples of traditional folk art will reveal a host of minute detail which could pass unnoticed at a single glance. NAUMACHIE: In a side-street off to the left. The name technically refers to the simulated naval battles that the Romans so enjoyed watching for entertainment. In this case, it relates to a red-brick wall dating from the Roman period that has been reinforced by a system of blind arcading. In fact, it probably served as a supporting wall for a large reservoir of water and formed part of a rectangular building, possibly a gymnasium. PIAZZA IX APRILE: It is a gracious piazza with a balcony overlooking the sea and offering wonderful views over the bay and across to Mount Etna. On the other sides are the bare façade of the Chiesa di San Giuseppe, (17th century), S. Agostino, now a library, and the Torre dell'Orologio, sitting on an open loggia that provides access to the 1400's part of the town. The present building dates from the late 1600's, when the clock was added, although it would appear that the foundations date as far back as the 6th century AD, when the tower formed an integral part of the town's defences. The piazza serves as a meeting-place, then crowded with people happy to while away the time at one of the bars with tables outside. PIAZZA DUOMO: At the centre of the square, from a circular bases, rises a fine baroque fountain in Taormina stone. The largest basin facing eastwards at one time served as a drinking-trough. In the middle, raised up, it bears the symbol of the town, a centaur which in this case takes on a female form with, instead of the usual four legs, two legs and two arms holding an orb and a sceptre, the attributes of power. DUOMO: The cathedral, dating back to the 13th century, is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari. It simple façade is ornamented by a Renaissance doorway flanked by two single-light windows with a rose-window above. The crenellations along the roof line have earned it the name of "cathedral-fortress". The left lateral side has a fine entrance set into a pointed arch ornamented along the edge with vines; the rose-window is aligned with the transept. Interior - The interior is gothic; the ground plan is a Latin cross; the nave is separated from the side-aisles by an arcade of pointed arches. These spring from column shafts of pink marble. The clerestory above comprises simple one-light windows that light the nave. Over the second altar, in the south aisle, sits a fine 16th polyptych by Antonello de Saliba. BEACHES The little Mazzarò bay is enclosed by Capo Sant'Andrea on the south side, that is riddled with caves and grottoes, including the Grotta Azzurra (the blue grotto). The sound of fishermen calling visitors for a boat trip echoes across the beaches. Beyond the headland extends a gracious bay sweeping round to the Bella island which is linked to the shore by a narrow strip of land. The longest beaches, Spisone and Mazzeo, extend north of Mazzarò. SICILY IS A LAND OF BEAUTIFUL LEGENDS A legend relates how the crew aboard a Greek vessel that was sailing along the eastern coast of Sicily had the impudence to be distracted while making a sacrifice to Neptune, the god of the sea. This, outraged, sent forth such a strong wind that the boat was shipwrecked. Fascinated by the area, the sole survivor Theocles decided to return to Greece to persuade a band of compatriots to come to Sicily and found a colony, that was Nasso, the modern-day Naxos. There is a seed of truth in the legend, for a Greek colony was indeed founded here in the 8th century BC, its people prospering quietly until 403 BC when Dionysius, the tyrant of Syracuse, decided to extend his territory by including this part of the island. Following their defeat, the colonists were allowed to settle on the plateau of Monte Tauro (200m above sea level), which had been occupied by Sikel tribes. From that time, records begin to refer to the settlement of Tauromenion, modern Taormina. First allied with Rome and then conquered by Octavian, Taormina became the capital of the Byzantine Sicily upon the fall of the Roman Empire. Shortly after the arrival of Arabs in Sicily, it was destroyed and immediately re-built in 1079. It was taken by Norman Roger of Hauteville, under whom it enjoyed a long period of prosperity. In the following centuries, it saw the Spanish, the French and then the Bourbon occupation until the Unification of Italy. ETNA Mount Etna is Sicily's tallest peak. Although capped with snow for much of the winter, it is one of Europe's most famous active volcanoes. Its actual height has been repeatedly modified by eruptions throughout time; it currently (1998) stands at 3350 m above sea level. THE VOLCANO: Etna evolved as a result of submarine eruption during the Quaternary Period (circa 500,000 years ago), at the same time that the plain of Catania was formed, originally as a broad bay. Etna is known to have erupted regularly during Antiquity. In the Middle Ages, eruptions were recorded in 1329 and 1381. It was in 1669, however, that the most catastrophic quake occurred; a great river of lava flowed down to the sea, devastating part of Catania on the way. In the 20th century, the most violent eruption were recorded in 1910 - leading to 23 additional craters being formed -, in 1917 - when a fountain of lava spurted 800m into the air from its base - and in 1923 - when outpouring of molten lava stayed hot for more than 18 months after the eruption. A plume of smoke always hangs above Etna and it could burst into activity at any moment. The black lava around the craters dates from recent eruptions as compared with the older grey lava on which lichens are beginning to grow. The presence of both and, sometimes, their distressing effects (blocked roads and ruined buildings) are evidence for the volcano's constant activity. The mountain consists of an enourmous black cone, visible from a distance of up to 250km away. The extremely fertile slopes are cultivated with dense groves of oranges, mandarins, lemons, olives, agaves and prickly pears, as well as bananas, eucalyptus, palm trees, maritime pines and vines from which the excellent Etna wine is produced. Probably, the most common of the wild plants is Euphorbia dendroides (tree spurge). The protected area designated a National Park in 1987 covers some 59,000 hectares. Above 500m, plantations of hazelnuts, almonds, pistachio and chestnuts give way to oaks, beeches, birches, and pines higher up, especially around Linguaglossa (see below). The landscape at this altitude is also characterized by a local variety of broom. At 2100m, the desolate landscape sustains desert-like plants like Astragalus aetnensis (a local variety of milk-vetch), a small prickly bush often found alongside colorful endemic varieties of violet, groundsel and other flowers which populate the slopes of the secondary craters. Higher up, snow and, for a lot time after an eruption, hot lava prevent any type of macroscopic vegetation from growing. The protected areas of Etna harbour a large variety of small mammals (porcupine, fox, wild cat, weasel, marten and dormouse), birds (kestrel, buzzard, chaffinch, woodpecker and hoopoe), a few reptiles, such as the asp viper, and a large variety of butterflies, including the Eastern orange tip (Anthocharis damone, which is more commonly known in Italy as the Aurora dell'Etna). EXCURSIONS: Opportunities abound with facilities both for short and long excursions, there are also nature trails and, for the less agile, the circumnavigation of Etna by car or train. ASCENT TO THE TOP: A climb up the volcano can be approached from the south or the north, both routes offering different views and contrasting qualities. The southern route from Nicolosi to Rifugio Sapienza is through a barren, black and desert-like environment when compared to the lushly green section up via Piano Provenzana on the northern side of the volcano. There are various ways of approaching the southern slopes of the volcano, which is the bleaker side, where concentrations of black lava form a lunar-like landscape. All along the edge runs a ring of little towns, where dark lava stone has been largely used to pave streets, to ornament the doorways and windows of the houses, to fashion awesome black masks with exaggerated menace and to articulate the lines of the churches. TOURIST INFORMATION The Tourist Office is located downtown Giardini Naxos, sea-front Via Tysandros, 54 Tel. +39-0942-51010 Fax. +39-0942-52848 E-mail: aast@naxos.it Web : www.aastgiardininaxos.it The excellent geographical position of Giardini Naxos is considered as a useful base for easy excursions to practically the whole territory of Sicily and to the smaller slands.