Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina

Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina

Piazza IX Aprile is Taormina's main square, an iconic open area with views that stretch all the way up to Mount Etna in the distance, and down to the azure Ionian Sea.

Piazza IX Aprile is Taormina's main square, an iconic open area with views that stretch all the way up to Mount Etna in the distance, and down to the azure Ionian Sea. The square is named to commemorate April 9, 1860 when it was rumored (falsely) that Giuseppe Garibaldi of the Italian Risorgimento had landed at Marsala to claim Taormina back from the Bourbons as part of the Spedizione dei Mille or Expedition of the Thousand. Garibaldi came later on 9-May, but the square remains named after 9-April.

With its scenic setting and lively entertainment on the classic black and white paving, the square attracts throngs of tourists as well as locals. Major highlights on the square include the Gothic Sant'Augustino Church which houses the Municipal Library, San Giuseppe, Torre dell'orologio (clock tower) next to the Porta di Mezzo, and Cine Teatro San Giorgio. There are lovely cafes where you can have a drink and watch the sunset.