Porta Messina in Taormina
trolvag - CC3.0
Porta Messina marks the northern entrance to the historic center of the city of Taormina. From it you can access Corso Umberto I, the main street of Taormina. Porta Catania, on the other hand, is the gateway to the south side.
The two entrance gates were part of the triple system of fortifications that developed from the north-east, built by the Arabs to defend the city.
Between the two gates rises the Porta di Mezzo also known as the Clock Tower.
Porta Messina was inaugurated in 1808 by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon as reported in the plaque at the top of the door. For this reason the gate is also known as Porta Ferdinandea.
