Palazzo Corvaja, Taormina, Italy

Palazzo Corvaja is a medieval palace in Taormina, dating from the 10th century. The origins of the palazzo incorporate an early Arab fortress, which in turn was constructed on Roman foundations. It was subsequently added to over various periods up until the 15th century. Its main body is an Islamic-style tower, and it has an inner courtyard where the Islamic influence can be seen in the arched windows and doorways. A 13th century staircase leads up to the first floor and an ornamental balcony which overlooks the courtyard.

The palace is named after one of the oldest and most famous families of Taormina, which owned it from 1538 to 1945.

On four main floors and constructed around a courtyard, the Moorish Gothic palazzo is crenellated. The principal floor has fenestration of pairs of lancet windows divided by columns. The courtyard walls are decorated by reliefs illustrating The Creation.

Today the palazzo is used as an exhibition centre.

References:

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Castles and fortifications in Italy

User Reviews

Nikola Mugoša (9 months ago)
The place is amazing and so different from the other places

Luciano Luciano (12 months ago)
Naxos was founded in 734 BC. Founded in BC. C. was the first Greek colony in Sicily. The leader of the expedition was Theocles and populations from Chalcis, Euboea and the island of Naxos took part in the founding of the city. The statue “Nike”, the work of the sculptor Carmelo Mendola, was erected to commemorate the partnership between Giardini Naxos and Calcide Eubea, solemnly declared on November 27, 1965

Georgia Anne (2 years ago)
Amazing for Gluten free pasta and pizza! The best GF food I have ever had! Thank you’

Melanie (2 years ago)
Would absolutely recommend a holiday in Taormina, Sicily. A fabulous place with lots to see.

Laurent Venet (2 years ago)
Great view from the stairs

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Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

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