Taormina ..... Victorian Follies

The Villa Communale more commonly known as Giardino Pubblico (Public Gardens) is a must see when visiting Taormina, the much loved gardens are an oasis of tranquil quietness away from the buzz of Corso Umberto and provide's shade from the Sicilian sun. Situated on Via Bagnoli Croce there are spectacular views across Taormina towards Mount Etna and down to the bay of Naxos.

The gardens were created by a lady named Florence Trevelyan who chose to settle in Taormina in the late eighteen hundreds after falling victim to its charm. It has been said that she was invited to leave England after a rumoured romantic entanglement with Queen Victoria’s son the Prince of Wales, who was to be the future King Edward VII. However there is no evidence that Florence had ever been to the court of Queen Victoria or even met the then Prince Edward or that she was ever his lover. Neither is there any evidence that she was exiled and lived on profits from an English investment. It has also been written that her mother was a lady in waiting to Queen Victoria which again there is no evidence of. It is said that Florence only met Edward after he became King Edward VII when he visited Taormina and was the guest of Miss Mabel Hill of the The Hill Family from Wales in her home names La Guardiola now known as Villa Guarnaschelli. The rumour of a royal scandal derives from a Taormina lawyer and journalist and is now considered as one of Sicily's many myths and legends.

Florence was born in 1852 in Newcastle upon Tyne. Her father committed suicide in 1854 when she was age two. After her mothers death in November 1877 she toured Europe for about two years before eventually settling in Taormina in 1884, which she made her permanent home.

In 1890 she married a successful local doctor, Salvatore Cacciola, from Taormina, who was also the towns mayor for many years. Florence had met him whilst seeking veterinary assistance due to her "soft heart for stray dogs". Together they owned many properties and land including Isola Bella and Casa Silva. Florence died in 1907 in Taormina and as requested in her will she was buried in a mausoleum on her property located on Monte Venere overlooking Taormina. In the mausoleum is a marble bust of her resting on four books of which a bronze copy can now be seen in the gardens.

Florence was a nature lover and was always accompanied by her beloved dogs and animals. Her will stated that her numerous animals should be taken care of, in particular her parrots, peacocks, pigeons and canaries so she created the gardens.

The bird feeder buildings that today make up most of the gardens were designed by Florence referring to them as “Apiary” (The Hives) using them as an observation point for birds and a serene place to enjoy her English afternoon tea.

To locals the buildings are referred to as the curious and eccentric Victorian Follies.

The gardens are very well maintained with many exotic plants, palm trees, bougainvillea, olive and citrus trees, with cobbled pathways.

There is an Italian war memorial and relics from both world wars including a human torpedo. Many olive trees in the gardens bear name plaques for soldiers who lost their lives.

At the main entrance there is a bronze statue of a man and woman sitting on the bench with angel wings, there is not much known about this statue but some say that they are free spirited angels who look after the park. I would love to think that there is a more romantic story behind the couple.

Located by the entrance you will find Taormina's tennis club, we always love to walk our dog Daisy in the gardens and sometimes if she is lucky she might find a stray tennis ball, which is like winning the lottery for her.

The gardens are the perfect place to grab a panini and drink for a spontaneous picnic lunch on a bench overlooking one of the most stunning views in the world.

After visiting the public gardens why not visit Casa Silva which also possesses a beautiful garden and was once part of the Giardino Pubblico, here you can view Florence’s property which is now home to Babilonia, Taormina’s language, art and culture school. Inside through a stone arch there is a lovely bistro where you can eat in the gardens whilst surrounded by students painting and learning Italian amongst the citrus trees. Pure Bliss !!!!!

The public gardens and Casa Silva are both featured on the Taormina Culture route, which was introduced last year for Taobuk, Taormina’s international book festival. The route twists and turns through Taormina detailing 21 places where Taormina’s muses found their homes.

For private guided tours of Taormina email me for local contact details

For language and art courses at Babilonia in Casa Silva visit www.babilonia.it

For Taobuk festival dates visit www.taobuk.it

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