History
The Villa Comunale of Taormina, also known as Trevelyan Park, is one of the most fascinating and evocative places in the city, a green oasis that blends history, art, and nature in a unique harmony.
Located in the heart of the historic center, it offers visitors a peaceful, refreshing retreat, with breathtaking views stretching from the smoking Mount Etna to the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Naxos.
Its origins are linked to Lady Florence Trevelyan, a Scottish noblewoman who arrived in Taormina in the second half of the 19th century. A cultured woman with a passion for botany, she created this garden as a place of experimentation and contemplation, enriching it with rare plants from around the world and eclectic structures that still define its atmosphere today. After her death, the park was handed over to the Municipality of Taormina, which opened it to the public, preserving the charm of
a place that seems suspended in time.
Among its unique features are the so-called “beehives” (“Alveari” in Italian), built on the remains of old farmhouses. Their style is eclectic with Oriental influences. They are arranged in a system of open, stacked terraces. The decorations include arches and small towers, flooring and railings as
delicate as lace: here Lady Florence would paint or have tea with her guests. Their unusual design, halfway between Gothic and exotic, adds to the park's aura of mystery and poetry.
In addition to the romantic fishpond, the villa boasts shaded paths, flower-filled terraces, and spectacular views that invite meditation and photography. The botanical richness is extraordinary: palms, tropical plants, colorful flowers, and centuries-old trees coexist in harmony, creating a
garden with an international soul yet deeply rooted in Mediterranean beauty.
Trevelyan Park is more than just a garden: it's a true journey through history and the aesthetic sensibility of a woman who brought together culture and nature, leaving Taormina a treasure that still enchants visitors from around the world.