Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano, Gothic palace near Porta Catania, Taormina, Italy.
Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano is a Gothic building made of black basalt and white granite, featuring a square tower and pointed arch doorways with three-lobed decorative windows. Inside, three floors hold modern sculptures and the space serves as a venue for weddings and temporary exhibitions.
Construction took place between the late 14th and early 15th centuries as a residence for the De Spuches family. In 1964, the Municipality of Taormina acquired the building to open it for public use and cultural activities.
The design reflects Norman, Catalan, and Arab influences that shaped Sicily, visible in the intricate stone inlays and geometric patterns across its facades. Walking through the rooms, you see how different cultural traditions layered themselves into every decorative detail.
The building stands near Porta Catania in central Taormina and is easily walkable from the main town area. Keep in mind that it functions as an active event venue, so visiting conditions may vary depending on scheduled activities.
A pink granite column on the ground floor comes from the nearby Greek Theatre, an unexpected connection to the ancient history buried beneath the town. This reused stone links the building directly to Taormina's classical past.
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