Corvaja Palace, Medieval palace in Piazza Badia, Taormina, Italy.
Corvaja Palace is a palace in Taormina that combines construction from several different periods into a single structure. The building features a central courtyard with Gothic arched windows, lancet windows separated by columns, and walls decorated with carved stone reliefs.
The structure began as an Arab tower in the 10th century and was expanded through Norman and Gothic additions until the 15th century. These different construction phases reflect the shifting powers and cultural influences that shaped the region over time.
The carved stone panels on the walls depict three biblical scenes: the creation of Eve, original sin, and expulsion from Paradise. These carvings shape the visual character of the building and reflect the religious beliefs important to the people who lived here.
The building now houses a tourist office and a museum displaying collections of Sicilian culture and traditional crafts. The central courtyard is visible from the surrounding galleries, allowing visitors to view the architectural details from different angles.
The cubic Arab tower was designed to resemble the Kaaba in Mecca, blending defensive functions with religious meaning. This combination of military purpose and spiritual significance was an unusual approach for fortifications of that era.
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