Piazza Duomo, Taormina — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

Piazza Duomo serves as Taormina's main square, anchored by a cathedral that looks more like a fortress than a church. The Cathedral of San Nicolo di Bari was first built in the 13th century and rebuilt across the 15th, 16th, and 18th centuries, each era adding its own architectural voice. The enormous stone blocks and battlements running the entire perimeter give it a military appearance that reflects an age when churches needed to defend as well as inspire. Inside, three naves are lined with monumental monolithic columns of pink marble. A valuable 16th-century polyptych decorates the main altar, and wooden ceiling coverings add warmth to the stone interior. At the center of the piazza stands the famous Baroque fountain, constructed in 1635. Above its two central basins, a figure that is half human, half horse serves as Taormina's emblem. This creature, sometimes called a Minotaur (though technically a centauress), connects the town to its ancient Greek heritage and has become one of the most photographed landmarks in Sicily. The square is positioned for maximum dramatic effect. Views of Mount Etna and the sea frame the cathedral and fountain, creating the kind of scene that makes you reach for your camera before you have even crossed the piazza. Surrounding the square, restaurants and cafes spill out onto the cobblestones, making it a perfect spot to linger. A Questo quest through Taormina leads you to this piazza with clues and riddles that reveal details about the fountain, the cathedral, and the stories carved into every stone.