Enjoy an Italian language course in Italy
at our language school in the city of Taormina

Taormina is a charming town of 11,000 people on the east coast of Sicily about halfway between Messina and Catania. The town has steadily grown to be one of the island’s major tourist resorts. Most of its popularity is due to its incredible beaches on the Ionian sea which are warm and buoyant with the high salt content. While Johann Wolfgang Goethe traveled to Taormina and raved about the town in his travel memoirs, many think it was the painter Otto Geleng that popularized Taormina as a tourist destination for much of Europe. There he painted the area’s ruins, sea, and mountains and afterwards, when his paintings were exhibited, he was accused of inventing the landscapes. He responded by offering to pay for anyone’s trip should they find it different from his paintings. It grew as a destination for artists in the 20th century and now it has become accepted by many as one of the most beautiful coasts in Sicily.


Taormina was originally a Siculi settlement when the Greeks arrived and colonized the town Naxos in 832 BC. From then the city grew rapidly in wealth and prominence and was an important city though its history is largely unrecorded. In a treaty with the Romans Hieron of Syracuse held the city then called Tauromenium until Sicily became a Roman province. It was a major stronghold of Sextus Pompeius against Octavian and the sight of the sea battle that Pompeius was nearly annihilated in. It was then made into a Roman colony given the strategic importance of its location and became one of the few important Roman towns in Sicily. After the fall of the Roman Empire it remained a major town but in 902 it was raised by Muslim troops and a new town was built in its place. It was capture by the Normans in 1078 and after their fall followed the rest of Sicily in its rule with brief sieges by France in 1675 and a spell under Spanish suzerainty during the 17th century. While it never became an influential city in Sicily it soon became a tourist resort for much of Europe and a famed destination for artists.


Undoubtedly the most impressive monument in Taormina is the Ancient Theatre, one of the greatest ruins in Sicily. While the plans appear Greek much of the construction appears to be Roman, perhaps building upon an earlier Greek foundation. It was the second largest theatre in Sicily but is mainly known for the beauty of its situation and character as a ruin. From the Arab rule of the town is left the Palazzo Corvaja a tower and defensive works they built to defend the city. Since then it had been expanded upon and held the first Sicilian Parliament in 1411. Taormina also has several historic churches built throughout the ages as well as two remaining gateways from when the city was surrounded by a circuit of walls. You can also visit the San Domenico Hotel which was once a Dominican monastery. You will also see the clocktower which was rebuilt in 1679 after being destroyed during the French seige of the town. A beautiful walk can also be had through the Public Gardens with Olive-tree lined avenues and rare Mediterranean plant species. Of course, no trip is complete without a visit to the incredible beaches and warm waters of Taormina. For a little town it has a great deal of history and stunning surroundings, a wonderful place to learn the beautiful Italian language!


What we like about Italian in Taormina:

  • The city is nearby the famous Mount Etna and historical sites.
  • Taormina is picturesque and popular with both tourists and artists looking for inspiration.
  • The climate is wonderful with lovely beaches and our school is close to everything.