Of all the colorful characters who have spent time in Taormina, the one leaving the biggest mark may have been Lady Florence Trevelyan, who in the late 19th century created these beautiful gardens, now the park also known as Parco Duca di Cesarò. Lady Trevelyan allegedly was asked to leave Britain after an entanglement with Edward, Prince of Wales, son of Queen Victoria. She settled in Taormina, married, and lived quite happily in the lovely, adjacent villa that is now the hotel Villa Paradiso. Her liaison with a farmer, much of it conducted amid these groves and terraces, supposedly inspired D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Lady Trevelyan built the stone and brick pavilions in the park for birdwatching and entertaining—it’s too bad the gates are swung shut at sunset, because these fanciful follies would be perfect for whiling away a hot summer night. During the day, the 3 hectares (7 1/2 acres) of groomed terraces provide a nice respite from the busy town, filled as they are with luxuriant vegetation, cobblestone walkways, picturesque stone stairways, and a sinuous path lining the park's eastern rim with superb views over the sea.
Taormina
Travel Guide
Taormina› Attraction
Villa Comunale
Via Bagnoli Croce
Our Rating
Hours
Daily 8:30am–7pm (6pm in winter)
Prices
Free
![3 star(s) 3 star rating](/assets/rating/fromm-rating-3star.png)
Map
Via Bagnoli Croce TaorminaNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.