Under the Sicilian sun, a palace, Palazzo Vecchio overlooks the town of Taormina. Don’t be fooled by its ancient style; inside, there’s every modern comfort to make it more than luxurious.
This grand colonial-style residence is a typical example of 20th-century Sicilian architecture, although the building we see now was constructed on 500-year-old walls. When the hotel opened in 2023, the architect responsible for the restyling of the palace, Andrea Perra, emphasised: “Palazzo Vecchio Taormina intends to recreate a contemporary stop on the Grand Tour realized by travellers between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries”. The Grand Tour was a journey around Europe undertaken mainly by young men from the highest classes of society. “We want to accompany the guest to discover a typical Taormina house, characterised by the art of hospitality and welcome,” Perra continued.
Inside, the refinement of the old makes the guest feel right at home. Vintage furniture, antique silverware, wallpaper: everything has been chosen with exquisite taste to give the impression of being in a noble Sicilian residence. “The concept is to receive like at home. To be innovative, you have to look to the past” adds Andrea Perra. “We propose an ancient Sicily seen through a contemporary lens.”
Palazzo Vecchio Taormina is a boutique hotel with 12 luxury suites. With meticulous attention to detail, the 12 accommodation options are divided between Deluxe, Superior and Junior Suite rooms. They all reference Venetian style, the richness of Baroque, and the sinuous lines of Moroccan architecture. The sea-view rooms and suites are the most prestigious, as they allow guests to enjoy the iconic charm of the Taormina coastline.
In Sicily, cooks used to be called Monsù, derived from the French word Monsieur. Perra and hotel manager Stefano Gegnacorsi were keen to preserve the reference. At the Palazzo Vecchio, you can enjoy cocktails at the Bar Monsù, or sample the typical cuisine of the real Monsù, from the time of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies at their traditional restaurant.
And don’t miss an apéritif at the Blu Sy Bar. The panoramic view from the Palazzo’s rooftop is breathtaking in its beauty: the Ionian coast, Taormina and Isola Bella reveal the full measure of Sicilian charm from an exclusive bar-terrace surrounded by Mediterranean plants, creating a truly magical ambience.
At Palazzo vechio Taormina, relaxation means fine dining and cocktails against a sunset backdrop, as well as Zen treatments. The SPA at Palazzo Vecchio Taormina is complete with a Jacuzzi hydromassage tub with 6 seats, an emotional shower with chromotherapy, a Turkish bath, ergonomic relaxing beds and two cabins for massages and beauty treatments for face and body.
It is a sensorial journey that aims at deep regeneration thanks to well-kept and elegant environments, to the use of exclusive products that draw on the healing essences of local herbs and plants, and to the professionalism of a competent staff attentive to your every need, coordinated by SPA Manager Giovanna Formica. In an atmosphere of genuine hospitality, wellness rituals erase tiredness and signs of time thanks to the synergy with the island’s nature. You will come out reinvigorated and rebalanced.
Staying at the Palazzo Vecchio also means discovering the city of Taormina. It’s a pearl of Sicily. For centuries, it has attracted travellers from all over the world with its irresistible blend of natural beauty, rich history and Mediterranean charm.
Nestled on a rocky ridge overlooking the Ionian Sea, this picturesque town offers breathtaking views of the sparkling waters and surrounding landscape. Don’t miss its spectacular ancient theatre, one of the most famous and best preserved in the world, or wander through the cobbled streets of the old town, in a spellbinding atmosphere steeped in the fascinating Greek and Roman eras.
Taromina is dotted with remarkable architectural remains such as the Roman Odeon, but also with traces of the Middle Ages, such as its cathedral or the Castle of Monte Tauro, which houses the Sicilian Medieval Museum. The charming, bustling squares, elegant boutiques and picturesque cafés invite you to stroll around and savour the enchanting atmosphere of this enchanting seaside town.
Villa Comunale’s lush gardens offer a tranquil escape and shady corners in which to relax.
Nearby golden sandy beaches and secluded coves allow you to swim in the refreshing water and sunbathe under the Mediterranean sun. The backdrop is always the smoking Mount Etna.
Whether you want to explore its rich cultural heritage, lose yourself in its picturesque streets or simply relax in its breathtaking natural surroundings, Taormina promises an unforgettable experience that captures the enchanting essence of Sicily. What better place to stay than the Palazzo Vecchio? This hotel is one of a kind and a must-visit for travellers who love luxurious and extravagant venues. If you happen to be on the island, be sure to be transported to the most glamorous and refined of Sicilies.
CONTACT:
Salita Ciampoli, 9
98039 Taormina ME, Sicily, Italy
Email: info@palazzovecchiotaormina.it
Phone number: (+39) 0942 892996
CREDITS: Text by Malena Cortizo A.
