Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Street · Taormina, Sicília
Corso Umberto
Taormina's main street, between Porta Messina and Porta Catania, with Piazza IX Aprile, Palazzo Corvaja, the Duomo and the Roman Odeon a few steps away.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Corso Umberto
Corso Umberto runs through the center of Taormina from end to end, between two ancient gates: Porta Messina to the north and Porta Catania to the south. It is a pedestrian-only street, with shops, cafés, churches and palaces, and stairways and alleyways lead off it on both sides.
Near Porta Messina is the Palazzo Corvaja, with Arab, Norman and Gothic elements; it was the seat of the Sicilian parliament in 1410. At its rear, between houses, is the Odeon, a small Roman brick theatre.
Halfway along, the Piazza IX Aprile opens up like a terrace over the sea, with the Torre dell'Orologio, the church of San Giuseppe and the old church of Sant'Agostino. Further on, the Naumachia is a long Roman wall with niches that once supported a cistern.
Near Porta Catania are the Duomo, dedicated to São Nicolau, a 13th-century church with the appearance of a fortress, and the baroque fountain in the square opposite, featuring a female centaur, a symbol of the town.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 to 2 hours, with stops at the churches, at the Palazzo Corvaja and at the Odeon.
Best time
Early in the morning or at the beginning of the evening, when the street is less crowded and the heat eases. Piazza IX Aprile has good light at late afternoon.
How to get there
It starts at Porta Messina, near the bus terminal and the upper funicular station. The whole street is done on foot.
Tip
Venture into the side alleys and stairways, which are less crowded than the Corso. To enter the churches, keep shoulders and knees covered. In crowded places, watch your belongings.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Corso Umberto
Is the Corso Umberto pedestrian-only?
Yes, the section between Porta Messina and Porta Catania is pedestrian.
What is the Piazza IX Aprile?
The square in the middle of the Corso that serves as a terrace overlooking the sea, with the Torre dell'Orologio and the church of San Giuseppe. It's the city's meeting point.
Where is the Odeon?
Behind the Palazzo Corvaja, near Porta Messina, tucked between houses.
Can you go inside the Duomo?
Yes, it's an active church. Respect mass times and come with shoulders and knees covered.