Taormina is the St Tropez of Sicily. With its beautiful places including a Louis Vuitton Bar, and its impressive Antique Greek Theatre overlooking the sea, Taormina is one of East of Sicily’s most stunning cities. Even Tom Ford has a stunning store on the main street! Its views over Mount Etna make for impressive photos and its Medieval and Baroque architecture continue to fascinate both Sicilians and tourists.

Since the 19th century, Taormina has also been a stop for writers, artists, and celebrities including Oscar Wilde, Truman Capote, Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, and more.

The Giardini della Villa Comunale (public gardens) are lush and exotic and bring fresh air when the temperatures are high. They were designed in the late 19th century by an English aristocrat.

Known for high-end hotels, boutiques, and restaurants, yet small enough to feel like a village, Taormina definitely encapsulates the Dolce Vita feel. It was most recently made more famous thanks to one of the most iconic seasons of The White Lotus with scenes from the show filmed from the beach and the centre’s quirky streets. The island named Isola Bella is yet another natural highlight.

Artists also left their mark on Taormina. Pablo Picasso stayed at Casa Cuseni while Ai Weiwei is currently exhibiting a large-scale mural in Palazzo Corvaja. Water Lilies is his largest work made in LEGO®. It reimagines Monet’s masterpiece through industrial materials. The piece subverts Impressionist beauty, setting the natural against the artificial, the handmade against the manufactured. The work draws from the artist’s personal experiences.

There’s so much to see, taste and enjoy in the city precious city. What is the best place to stay, relax and enjoy the most gorgeous Sicilian food though? Palazzo Vecchio is the most impressive hotel of Taormina. It hosts a fantastic restaurant and a super VIP bar with the best views over Taormina. Adjacent to Palazzo Ciampoli which hosts a collection of antiques and religious paintings, is very convenient too. Palazzo Vecchio Taormina stands in a unique position, in the centre of Taormina.

Stefano Gegnacorsi, Owner and Managing Director of Palazzo Vecchio Taormina talks to Art is Alive: “Palazzo Vecchio Taormina rises from the soul of a quintessential Taormina residence, a 19th-century building gracefully poised atop 16th-century walls. Conceived as a project of the highest quality, it marks a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the city.”

At Palazzo Vecchio, history, tradition, and elegance converge in a five-star boutique hotel a few stairs away from the chic Corso Umberto which features stores such as Dior and Loro Piana.

Rising from the 16th-century city walls, its Gothic-Catalan façade and crenellated tower stand proudly among the winding lanes of the historic centre.

A broad staircase leads to its main door, just steps from the cathedral and the lively pedestrian zone and parking space, where art, gastronomy, and nightlife mingle, all framed by the glimmer of a crystal-clear sea.

What’s the inspiration behind the history of the location? “I was delighted to embrace the soul of this project. Having served in the past as General Manager of historic five-star hotels in Italy, I am now proud to have given form to a dream, the desire to create a new address of elegance and style in the world of international hospitality.” Stefano continues.

Palazzo Vecchio Taormina offers a five-star experience in the heart of Taormina, complete with spa facilities, sauna, sun terrace, restaurant, bar, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy private check-in and check-out, a 24-hour front desk, and the convenience of a paid airport shuttle, ensuring both comfort and ease throughout their stay.

“Having served in the past as General Manager of historic five-star hotels in Italy, I am now proud to have given form to a dream, the desire to create a new address of elegance and style in the world of international hospitality.

Stefano talks about his challenges: “The great challenge is let every guest feel important and vital for the hotel, so that can perceive the uniqueness of a staying at Palazzo Vecchio Taormina.”

Palazzo Vecchio Taormina has various options when it comes to rooms: Deluxe, Superior, Sea Views, Premium and Junior rooms are all options for a very pleasant stay.

“The restyling was led by renowned hospitality architect Andrea Perra, both based in Sicily and Paris, whose concept is to welcome guests as one would at home, in the spirit of a traditional, historic casa of Taormina.” Stefano adds.

The palette is exquisite, blending soft beige tones with green marble in the bathrooms, accented by touches of refined luxury through Ortigia platters and ETRO toiletries. The rooms are exceptionally comfortable, and the views are simply breathtaking.

“Palazzo Vecchio Taormina aims to recreate a modern-day stop on the Grand Tour once travelled by eighteenth- and nineteenth-century explorers. It invites guests to experience a typical Taormina house, where the art of hospitality and warm welcome are at the heart of the stay. True innovation often looks to the past, and Palazzo Vecchio Taormina embodies the spirit of ancient Sicily through a contemporary lens.”

Palazzo Vecchio Taormina features 12 luxury suites and that’s what makes it so charming. “The rooms fit with every mood of the day. The bar, for example, is “a candle bar” during the evening. The Orangerie, typical of Sicilian houses of the twentieth century, is a central place for the hotel, with rattan furnishings and decor. The bar is decorated with trompe l’oeil wallpapers, wrapping the entire bar, with velvet seats and vintage furniture, Louis XVI console, antique silverware and an aviary, in the tradition of Sicilian houses, recalling the residences of the Sicilian Florio dynasty.”

The choice of furniture and decorative objects is simply fantastic, oscillating between elegant simplicity and modern charm. Clients return from all around the world to this spectacular place. “Palazzo Vecchio Taormina attracts sophisticated contemporary travelers that search for beauty, art, culture, rediscovering Grand Tour. It’s easy to understand. The soul of the hotel is embodied by the different areas of Palazzo Vecchio Taormina: stylish, elegant, intense.”

Last but not least, its spectacular terrace hosts the Blue Sky Rooftop Bar with lush plants and dark blue top tables and chairs. It’s the most elegant bar of Taormina.

Set on a terrace framed by Gothic-Catalan crenellations and lush Sicilian greenery, the Blue Sky Bar at Palazzo Vecchio is among the most captivating spots, offering breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna. From 6 pm. until midnight, the terrace transforms into a vibrant setting, where the timeless elegance of Palazzo Vecchio is heightened in an atmosphere of refined exclusivity. Delicious cocktails include “Pupidda” with Tequila, lavander syrup, lemon juice, strawberry puree, campari bitter, foam, tonic water and “Friscu” with Sicilian gin, lemon juice, foam, rosemary. That blue resonates with the suits worn by staff. Everything is so tasteful at Palazzo Vecchio.

No surprise then that celebrities and artists of our century continue to stay at Palazzo Vecchio: “We’ve organised fashion shoots with Mytheresa for example. International celebrities stay with us too. Ronn Moss, former actor from TV Series Beautiful for example, and also Italian celebrity as Giorgio Pasotti, Sara Serraiocco, Madalina Ghenea chose Palazzo Vecchio Taormina for their holidays in Taormina.”

The Private SPA at Palazzo Vecchio offers an exclusive wellness journey with a spacious Jacuzzi whirlpool for 6–8 guests, a Turkish bath, a sensory shower, ergonomic loungers, and serene massage cabins. It’s an amazing space to relax and to take a break from the heat. Guest’s experience can be further enhanced with bespoke face and body treatments, tailored to your needs. A team of welcoming and highly qualified professionals is always on hand to guide guests for the most suitable treatments. Perfection!

It’s not over yet. At Monsù Restaurant, located within the building, every dish reflects the rich blend of cultures that have shaped Siciliy, the vital energy of Mount Etna, the freshness of the Mediterranean Sea, and the cosmopolitan flair that animates the heart of Taormina.

Bathed in the glow of starlight streaming through its vaulted glass ceiling, the orangery at Palazzo Vecchio welcomes guests in a refined, intimate, and tranquil atmosphere. Exotic plants wind their way among rattan furnishings, infusing the space with Mediterranean fragrances and vibrant colours. It is an elegant setting for romantic dinners yet also perfectly suited to host up to 60 guests, for private celebrations.

The menu celebrates Sicily itself: the briny freshness of Ionian fish crudités pairs harmoniously with the rustic flavours of seasonal vegetables, aromatic herbs, and fresh fruits. These flavours are elevated by a curated selection of local wines from the Palazzo Vecchio cellar, personally recommended by sommelier Francesco Tizzone.

Each morning, Monsù comes alive serves an international breakfast: delicate local pastries, the scent of freshly squeezed Sicilian oranges, and the savoury richness of regional cheeses and cured meats. In Monsù’s kitchen, the finest local ingredients are elevated by the creative flair and mastery of Chef Giuseppe Privitera, who reinterprets tradition with delicate innovation.

What are Stefano’s top suggestions for cultural suggestions for Sicily?“We recommend exploring Palermo, Noto, Siracusa, Agrigento, and the Valley of the Temples, as well as hidden gems such as the Turk’s Staircase and Burri’s Crack in Gibellina, and charming villages like Marzamemi.”

For an unforgettable stay in Taormina, Palazzo Vecchio offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Nestled in the heart of the city, this luxury hotel is a sanctuary of elegance and comfort, surrounded by iconic landmarks, timeless history, and vibrant culture. With professional, attentive staff, every detail is designed to make your stay seamless. From its restaurant and bar to the refined touches of Ortigia products and the serene spa, Palazzo Vecchio is the perfect destination to experience Taormina at its finest.

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Thank you to Stefano Gegnacorsi and Flaviana Facchini.