Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina
Halfway along Corso Umberto I, Taormina's main artery, the street opens up and the sea appears. That's Piazza IX Aprile doing its oldest trick — framing the Bay of Naxos, the distant silhouette of the Greek Theatre, and Mount Etna in a single unobstructed look.
The square's chessboard pavement is always busy with painters selling canvases, caricaturists working fast, and café tables that cost more than you'd like. Come before nine in the morning and you get the geometry of it — the Sicilian baroque staircase of San Giuseppe, the medieval clock tower holding the far end — without the crowd filling every square of that chessboard.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who've been here more than once tend to land at Wunderbar, the oldest bar on the square, open since 1870. It's expensive and unabashedly famous — Tennessee Williams and Greta Garbo both sat here — but the view from its terrace at dusk, with Etna catching the last light, is the reason they keep coming back.
The story behind Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina
The square takes its name from April 9, 1860, the day a mass in the Taormina cathedral was interrupted by news that Garibaldi had landed at Marsala to begin his campaign in Sicily. The news turned out to be a month premature — Garibaldi actually landed on May 9 — but the date stuck. The piazza itself was built in 1891 and quickly became the town's social centre, hosting the Mediterranean Parliamentary Congress just three years later in 1894.
Before 1891 it was called Piazza Sant'Agostino, after the church built here in 1448. That church still stands, though it now serves as the Municipal Library. The Torre dell'Orologio at the far end is older than all of it — a 12th-century gate tower, once the central of three city entrances, destroyed and rebuilt repeatedly across the centuries.
Good to know
The piazza is free and open around the clock. The nearest train station (Taormina-Giardini Naxos) sits 5 km below town at sea level; take the Interbus from outside the station up to the centre. Arrive before 9 AM or after 6 PM to move freely across the pavement.
Summer (June to August) is hot and dry, with daytime temperatures regularly hitting 28–30°C; the square gets full sun and the café shade earns its price. Spring and autumn are gentler — highs around 15–23°C — and the piazza is far easier to move through. Winter stays mild at 14–15°C with occasional rain, and the view to Etna on a clear January morning can be sharper than anything summer offers.
Where is Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina?
More tickets & tours for Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina
Book directly at the provider
What travellers say about Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina
Piazza IX Aprile is not just a square; it is the breathtaking living room of Taormina. This centrally located piazza is a must-visit, offering a flawless blend of natural beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant Sicilian life. The square’s signature black-and-white checkered pavement sets the stage for what feels like stepping into a perfectly composed photograph. The star attraction is, without a doubt, the unparalleled panoramic terrace. From the elegant railing, the vista stretches out over the crystalline Ionian Sea, providing a sweeping view of the Bay of Naxos below. On a clear day, the colossal, snow-capped silhouette of Mount Etna dominates the horizon, offering a dramatic backdrop that truly encapsulates the magic of Sicily. Catching a sunset here is highly recommended, as the light casts a golden, ethereal glow over the entire landscape. Anchoring one side of the square is the stunning Chiesa di San Giuseppe (Church of Saint Joseph). This 17th-century Baroque masterpiece is instantly recognizable by its beautiful façade, topped by an inscription and a niche with a statue of Christ. The church is accessed via a graceful, double-flight staircase with a balustrade of Syracuse stone, adding a theatrical flair to the square's composition. While the interior is worth a quick visit to admire the Rococo stuccowork and marble altars, the exterior presence of the church is what truly defines the square's historical character. The Piazza itself is a hive of activity, lined with atmospheric (if slightly pricey) cafés, perfect for sipping an espresso or aperitivo while people-watching. Street artists and musicians often contribute to the lively, sophisticated atmosphere. Flanked by the historic Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower) on one side and the Chiesa di San Giuseppe on the other, Piazza IX Aprile is truly the heart of Taormina and an unforgettable stop for any visitor.
The Setting & Photographic Wow Positioned on the picturesque Piazza IX Aprile in the heart of Taormina, the church overlooks one of the most beautiful vantage points in town.  From the square you can capture the church’s elegant Baroque façade, the charming clock tower (Torre dell’Orologio) nearby, and — on a clear day — sweeping views of the Ionian Sea beyond. It’s a truly “picture‑perfect moment” where architecture, history and coastal scenery meet.  Its location in the lively, photogenic Piazza IX Aprile means you’re not just visiting a sacred site, you’re also in a space that lives and breathes Sicilian town life. The double flight of stairs leading up to the entrance adds drama and charm, making it a delightful spot for a relaxed stroll, a photo stop, or simply to sit and soak in the atmosphere.
A popular place to take photos of the magnificent views of the sea and the volcano. The patterned floor tiles also make a nice shot.
A beautiful view of the entire city, not only from this square; small charming shops with colorful ceramics; cityscapes that look like they’re straight out of a movie.
It is the first square when entering the city from 7th floor car parking. Beautiful sea view and the mountains.
More of Sicily
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Sicily →More attractions in Sicily
All of Sicily →
Background adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · ratings & place photos via Google · other photos with per-image credit. Ticket links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.