Palazzo Corvaja is one of the most representative monuments of Taormina, overlooking Corso Umberto. Its origins date back to the Arab era, with Norman and Gothic extensions. In 1411 it hosted the Sicilian Parliament convened by Queen Bianca of Navarre. Today it houses the Museum of Arts and Folk Traditions, which preserves ceramics, Sicilian puppets, painted carts, and traditional costumes.
Key points:
– Arab tower from the 9th century, original core
– Parliament Hall with 17th-century frescoes
– Carved panels depicting the Creation of Eve
– Museum with entrance only €2.60
Events nearby
Palazzo Corvaja, the medieval symbol of Taormina, featuring an Arab tower, the Sicilian Parliament rooms, and the Museum of Arts and Folk Traditions. Ticket €2.60.
- Via Teatrino Romano, Messina (ME)
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Introduction
If you’re passing through Taormina, Palazzo Corvaja is a must-see. Overlooking Piazza Badia and Corso Umberto, this medieval palace is a true architectural gem, blending Arab, Norman, and Gothic influences. Today it houses the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions, with a collection that reveals the most authentic Sicily. Entry costs just €2.60, and it’s well worth it.
Introduction
If you’re passing through Taormina, Palazzo Corvaja is a must-see. Overlooking Piazza Badia and Corso Umberto, this medieval palace is a true architectural gem, blending Arab, Norman, and Gothic influences. Today it houses the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions, with a collection that reveals the most authentic Sicily. Entry costs just €2.60, and it’s well worth it.
Historical Overview
The origins date back to the 9th century, when the Arabs built a defensive tower. In the 13th century, Frederick II expanded the structure, and in 1411 it became the seat of the Sicilian Parliament under the regency of Bianca of Navarre. From 1538 to 1945 it was the residence of the Corvaja family. After the war, a restoration directed by Armando Dillon recovered its beauty.
- 902-1079 AD: Construction of the Arab tower
- 1209: Donation to Juan de Termes by Frederick II
- 1411: First meeting of the Sicilian Parliament
- 1538-1945: Ownership by the Corvaja family
- 1945-1948: Restoration by Armando Dillon
Historical Overview
The origins date back to the 9th century, when the Arabs built a defensive tower. In the 13th century, Frederick II expanded the structure, and in 1411 it became the seat of the Sicilian Parliament under the regency of Bianca of Navarre. From 1538 to 1945 it was the residence of the Corvaja family. After the war, a restoration directed by Armando Dillon recovered its beauty.
- 902-1079 AD: Construction of the Arab tower
- 1209: Donation to Juan de Termes by Frederick II
- 1411: First meeting of the Sicilian Parliament
- 1538-1945: Ownership by the Corvaja family
- 1945-1948: Restoration by Armando Dillon
The Parliament Hall and Queen Blanche
The right wing of the palace was built at the beginning of the 15th century to host the meetings of the Sicilian Parliament. Here, in 1411, Queen Blanche of Navarre presided over the assembly that elected the new king. The great hall is lit by four double-lancet windows and a three-light window, and features a fresco of Daniel in the Lions’ Den. As you climb the stairs, don’t miss the three carved panels depicting the Creation of Eve, the Original Sin, and the Expulsion from Paradise.
The Parliament Hall and Queen Blanche
The right wing of the palace was built at the beginning of the 15th century to host the meetings of the Sicilian Parliament. Here, in 1411, Queen Blanche of Navarre presided over the assembly that elected the new king. The great hall is lit by four double-lancet windows and a three-light window, and features a fresco of Daniel in the Lions’ Den. As you climb the stairs, don’t miss the three carved panels depicting the Creation of Eve, the Original Sin, and the Expulsion from Paradise.
The Museum of Folk Arts and Traditions
On the first floor, the museum houses the collection of antiquarian Giovanni Panarello: Caltagirone ceramics, Sicilian puppets, hand-painted carts, and traditional Albanian costumes. In the first room, anthropomorphic vases called ‘teste di turco’ (Turkish heads) and Sicilian pastry tools. In the second, a nativity scene displayed year-round in glass cases. It’s a dive into Sicilian folk culture, with pieces from the 18th to 19th centuries. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM and 4:00 PM–8:00 PM.
The Museum of Folk Arts and Traditions
On the first floor, the museum houses the collection of antiquarian Giovanni Panarello: Caltagirone ceramics, Sicilian puppets, hand-painted carts, and traditional Albanian costumes. In the first room, anthropomorphic vases called ‘teste di turco’ (Turkish heads) and Sicilian pastry tools. In the second, a nativity scene displayed year-round in glass cases. It’s a dive into Sicilian folk culture, with pieces from the 18th to 19th centuries. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM and 4:00 PM–8:00 PM.
Why Visit It
Three good reasons: 1. Affordable price: just €2.60 for a journey through history and folk art. 2. Unique layering: Arab tower, Norman and Gothic expansions, and the Parliament Hall: a condensation of centuries. 3. Genuine museum: away from the usual itineraries, discover everyday objects and crafts that tell the real Sicily. Ideal for those who love authenticity.
Why Visit It
Three good reasons: 1. Affordable price: just €2.60 for a journey through history and folk art. 2. Unique layering: Arab tower, Norman and Gothic expansions, and the Parliament Hall: a condensation of centuries. 3. Genuine museum: away from the usual itineraries, discover everyday objects and crafts that tell the real Sicily. Ideal for those who love authenticity.
When to Go
The palace is beautiful in every season, but if you want to avoid the crowds, choose spring or autumn. In the late afternoon, the warm light highlights the stone facade of Taormina and the crown battlements. In summer, the cooler morning or late afternoon hours are best for a leisurely visit.
When to Go
The palace is beautiful in every season, but if you want to avoid the crowds, choose spring or autumn. In the late afternoon, the warm light highlights the stone facade of Taormina and the crown battlements. In summer, the cooler morning or late afternoon hours are best for a leisurely visit.
Nearby
After your visit, take a stroll along Corso Umberto, Taormina’s main street, lined with shops and cafés. Just a few minutes’ walk away is the Ancient Theatre, one of the most spectacular Greek theaters in the world, with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the sea. If you have time, head down to Isola Bella, a small nature reserve accessible on foot or by cable car.
Nearby
After your visit, take a stroll along Corso Umberto, Taormina’s main street, lined with shops and cafés. Just a few minutes’ walk away is the Ancient Theatre, one of the most spectacular Greek theaters in the world, with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the sea. If you have time, head down to Isola Bella, a small nature reserve accessible on foot or by cable car.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
Legend has it that the inscription ‘Esto michi … locu refugi’ (Be for me a place of refuge) carved in the courtyard protected the persecuted. Moreover, the three stone panels from Syracuse on the staircase tell the story of the fall of man, a warning for visitors.