Porta Messina, City gate in Taormina, Sicily
Porta Messina is a stone arch at the northern entrance to Taormina's old town that marks the start of the main street. The structure displays the Bourbon coat of arms on its keystone and leads directly into Corso Umberto, a street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
The gate was built in 1808 during the Bourbon period and replaced older medieval structures that once guarded the town. It dates to a time when Taormina was part of the Kingdom of Sicily and controlled entry through fortified passages.
The gate takes its name from Messina, a city to the north, because it was the natural entry point for travelers coming from that direction. The name persisted even after the gate was briefly called Ferdinand Gate in honor of the king.
The gate is easy to reach on foot and freely accessible, making it a natural starting point for exploring the old town. The area around it is well-traveled during the day and a good place to orient yourself before heading into the narrow streets.
The stone arch displays Norman carvings including a Celtic cross and an eight-pointed star that reflect the region's artistic heritage. These fine details are often overlooked by visitors but reveal the craftsmanship of earlier generations.
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