Castelmola and Bar Turrisi
Castelmola is a comune (municipality) Produced by Alessandro Sorbello in the Province of Messina in the Italian region Sicily, located about 170 km east of Palermo and about 40 km southwest of Messina. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,107 and an area of 16.4 km².
Castelmola borders the following municipalities: Gaggi, Letojanni, Mongiuffi Melia, Taormina.
Though it overlooks Taormina, one of Sicily's most popular attractions, the nearby town of Castelmola is rarely visited by non-Sicilians. Yet, the spectacular views from this fascinating spot make those from Taormina seem almost mundane by comparison. This includes Mount Etna, of course, but on a clear day you can see beyond the Etna region to Siracusa and Augusta farther down the Ionian coast, beyond Catania. More than an outgrowth of Taormina, Castelmola is a locality in its own right.
The human presence here is an ancient one, dating at least from the Bronze Age. It was the Greeks who began complete colonization, linked to their establishment of Taormina. That's when the first fortresses were constructed. Little remains of these, or of the subsequent Arab and Norman fortifications, though some walls have been rebuilt. The sanctuary of the Madonna della Rocca, locally famous for its annual procession descending down steps to Taormina, offers some fantastic views. A small town eventually grew here, but rather few people live here year-round. Castelmola is better known for its restaurants, bars and pizzerias. The Turrisi Bar, with its bizarre phallic theme (in sculpture, paintings and other art) remains the most eccentric attraction. The local specialty is almond flavored wine. The piazzas and winding streets are charming.
Unless you're arriving by helicopter, there are two ways of getting up to Castelmola. By car, simply follow the winding Castelmola road; during the day there's also a bus to Castelmola. On foot, take the steps which ascend to the sanctuary (or convent) of the Madonna della Rocca. This can be reached from the streets behind and above the Church of Saint Joseph (San Giuseppe) off one of Taormina's main squares. This presumes that you're in good health. (If it's hot, bring some water with you.)
Up on Mount Tauro, there are actually several parts of Castelmola beyond the main town and the few remaining piece of the primary castle. The area of the sanctuary is one of these, near the newer secondary castle (built upon the foundations of an ancient Greek acropolis), which is visible from Taormina. This conventual church is usually closed. In the town itself the main church, Saint George, is a newer structure built upon medieval Byzantine foundations. The local feasts are Saint George's Day (23rd April), sometimes celebrated April 22nd, and the Summer festival on August 28th.
Bar Turrisi at Castelmola At the end of the 19th century the famous German baron W. Von Gloden sent a message to all the world with his photographs of nude men and almond trees, as well as with his poetry, reflecting Sicily's absolute freedom. These ideals, always floating on the air of this warm and dry land, find a collocation and an exaltation well defined in Bar Turrisi. The Penis, together with the other ornamental items such as a Sicilian cart, puppets, old keys to mention a few, try to synthesize part of Sicilian culture.
Nowadays this place continues to bring the story with it, but without forgetting about the relevance of the present. The visitor also has the possibility to relax, sipping the classic almond wine or trying the strong red wine of our countryside with local dishes. The Bar Turrisi is not only part of what we have tried to explain here; from Cavalier to son and to nephews, but it is much more. It is a tradition rich with events and emphasis that deserves to be seen