Sitting Pretty
Like icing on a cake, Castelmola Sicily sweetly sits perched over Taormina, observing the busy commotion like an old man sitting in a busy piazza watching the bustle of people heading home from work. But the unassuming village has sights and highlights that are not to be missed.
Castelmola dates back to Greek times and it’s thought to have been the acropolis of Taormina, the citadel of the town, built high up on the bluff for wartime defensive views and posture.
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It’s Greek to Me
The Arco Romano is the ancient Roman Arch that is near the entrance of the Castello di Mola. Behind it is a stone staircase where you’ll find a lovely chapel (Cappella) Madonna della Scala. Castello di Mola isn’t that much of a castle anymore but is now a well-kept paved park and garden intertwined with teh castle ruins and glorious 360-degree views. The village has been named one of the most charming in all of Sicily.
Bar Turrisi
Bar Turrisi is famous for its eclectic collection of all thing penis. There is simply no other place on earth I’ve ever been that is quite like it! It’s popular with women and men alike, because it is SO entertaining. I guess you could say it’s for ‘members only’. It’s A phallic fantasy. Three floors of fun, food, and almond aperitifs. The owners describe the phallic focus as a place that celebrates a mans virility with an aphrodisiac vino – and NO ONE can argue that! EVERYTHING is phallic – EVERYTHING. If you don’t watch out.. You’ll poke you’re eye out!! I see they have opened a B&B the Casa Turrisi so I know where I’m staying next time!
Special Sunset
Come for the silly FUN of it and head up to the top deck where the views and surroundings are peacefully content. Everyone I’ve brought here to Castelmola Sicily has taken pictures with the sea, Mt. Etna (sometimes spewing), the bell tower of San Nicola di Bari – and ME! Head to the top and make memories !
If you time your visit just right and get lucky, you might just catch that perfect view of Mt. Etna at sunset.
The Nitty Gritty ~
Bar Turrisi – Phallic fantasy with delicious Almond wine, good food and fantastic view.
Costello di Mola– and ancient acropolis turned park with panoramic views.
Arco Romano– Ancient Roman Arch near the Costello di Mola.
Church of Saint Nicholas – stop in for a prayer and some solitude.
Castelmola Cemetary– I always visit cemetaries, you learn a lot about the society.
The closest Airport is Catania where you can rent a car or catch a bus.
By Car, hang on to your hat and traverse up on SP10 from the beach and / or Taormina. It’s curvy and scenic. There are walking paths from the north side of Taormina.
For driving instructions from Catania, Messina or Palermo check out this site.
By Bus, you can reach Castelmola from Taormina or anywhere on Interbus and here is the schedule.
I’ve had lots of beers at Bar Turrisi
Espresso Stop for drinks or a nice lunch on the main piazza is PierdeCat Sicilian Bistro di Saglibene.
For Vino tasting on the main piazza try Caffe bar San Giorgio.
Unique Wine, Beer and meals served in a cavern or by the delightful pool – La Caverna Wine Bar and Ristorante
If Seafood and sea views are in store try La Taverna dell’Etna
Quality food and an artsy venue is Ristorante La Bocciola
Pizza and down home cooking is Trattoria Il Vicolo
Gelato anyone? I Piitti di Stefania on the main drag to Piazza Chiesa Madre.
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