A walk in Castelmola among the alluring secrets of a historic Sicilian village
In Castelmola, the gaze is lost in a palette of colors that makes it one of the most picturesque corners of Sicily. Roberta, the Guest Experience Assistant of La Plage Resort, takes us on a walk to discover this small village, a nugget of Sicily.
Let's start from the origins
The origins of Castelmola date back to the pre-Hellenic period. The name draws inspiration from the shape of the large rock on which it stands, which resembles a “millstone”. Perhaps because of its elevated position, it was once the true acropolis of Taormina, and their histories are so connected that it is impossible to distinguish one from the other.
The appearance of the country
The medieval urban structure remained completely unchanged until 1928, the year in which the charming entrance to the village was completely modified. A staircase almost carved into the rock led to the foot of the Castle, up to the actual entrance gate to the center. The entrance arch placed on a limestone staircase remains to maintain the idea of what it was. The Municipal Auditorium preserves inside the extraordinary photos that testify to its beauty. Over time, despite the changes made to its appearance, this town still manages to preserve enclosed in its alleys the magic and unchanged charm of the ancient which, mixing with the new, transmits the impression that time has stopped here.
What to see in Castelmola
Among the places of interest in Castelmola there are, of course, a series of monuments: Piazza Sant'Antonio, the Castle, the Cathedral, the Church of San Giorgio and the Church of the Annunziata. To this list we must also add a very particular place: the Bar Turrisi , one of the most curious bars in the world. The place is known for a rather spicy detail…
Speaking of spicy stories, perhaps not everyone knows that the famous novel “ Lady Chatterley’s Lover ” by DH Lawrence was inspired by the licentious behavior of a baroness who stayed in Castelmola. The book, published in 1928 and withdrawn for obscenity, tells the story of Frieda voy Richtofen, wife of the English writer. Frieda had the opportunity to express her exuberant sensuality among the vineyards and farmhouses of the Castelmola countryside, with the young muleteer from Castelmola, Peppino D'Allura. He had the task of accompanying the baroness to the villa of her mistress, Signora Betty, who lived on Monte Venere at 800 meters above sea level. Between one sweet treat and another, “Lady Chatterley” told her friend about the erotic games in the splendid and wild Sicily along the mule tracks of Monte Venere.
We are waiting for you at La Plage Resort, ready to offer you a detailed plan of activities to do to discover the Sicilian territory near Taormina and its surroundings!
