Feast of the Madonna della Rocca in Taormina

The event recalls an apparition of the Madonna to a local shepherd boy in medieval era and today it brings together the local community in a big party that attracts many visitors.

The Feast of the Madonna della Rocca in Taormina

The Feast is preceded by 9 days in which the community meets in the morning at the Church of the Madonna della Rocca for the recitation of the Rosary. In those same days the narrow road that leads from the town to the Sanctuary is crowded with stalls offering sweets, toys and roasted chickpeas in the oven. In the meantime, in the corners of Taormina there are improvised ovens where people cook the lamb which is then consumed with good Local wine.
On the feast day, the liturgical celebrations begin early in the morning and continue until 21:00 when some devotees of theSailors Association of Italy they carry on their shoulders a painting that represents the Madonna from the Sanctuary up to the historic center of the town and then return to the Church.

The story linked to the Feast of the Madonna della Rocca in Taormina

The event is related to the history of the construction of the Church of the Madonna della Rocca in the XNUMXth century which was built to commemorate a miraculous event that happened to a shepherd boy from Mola surprised by a violent storm while grazing his flock. The young man finds shelter in a cave and in the light of a bolt of lightning he sees the figure of a woman holding a child in her arms. Meanwhile the shepherd's parents, not seeing their son return, go to look for him in the mountains and find him grazing with the flock. The young man tells of his encounter with the woman with a dazzling light and a reassuring smile and leads his parents into the cave where they discover a figure imprinted on the rock with features of the Madonna. The Bishop warned of the miraculous apparition has one erected in that place Church dedicated to the Virgin and since then the citizenry is devoted to the Madonna and dedicates a day of worship to her feast and liturgical celebrations.

When the event takes place

The Feast takes place the third Sunday of September of each year.

Where the Feast of the Madonna della Rocca takes place in Taormina

The liturgical celebrations take place in the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Rocca and the procession starts from the Church and then reaches the historic center of the town.

What to do during the Feast of the Madonna della Rocca

Taormina is one of the most evocative places in Sicily therefore the Feast of the Madonna della Rocca is an event not to be missed and an opportunity to discover a fascinating village.

In Greco-Roman theatre built in the XNUMXrd century BC are still represented dramatic and musical performances and spectators sit on the same bleachers that housed the ancient Greeks and Romans.
In the center of the small town you can walk in the municipal villa which offers a variety of flowers and plants from all over the world, while there is walking distance Covaja Palace, a noble villa with a cubic tower built by the Arabs and mullioned windows in the Catalan Gothic style.
Corso Umberto I is the shopping street where shops offering typical products and luxury boutiques follow one another and along the way you reach the City cathedral in the square of the same name.
The building built in the 400th century has an external facade with a pediment Renaissance style, a seventeenth-century portal and various works of art of great interest.

Continuing along the course you reach Square IX April, the most famous of Taormina from which you can admire the gulf and theEtna. On the square overlook the Clock tower, Church of Sant'Agostino , Church of St. Joseph.

Recommended activities for a tour in Taormina

How to reach the Church of the Madonna della Rocca in Taormina to attend the event

In auto, from Messina take the A20 from viale Boccetta and continue up to the A18 where you follow the signs for Taormina. Take the Taormina exit and take the Taormina Nord junction in the direction of via Madonna della Rocca, after 6km you will reach the Sanctuary.
From Palermo, take the A20 from via Roma and continue for 263km to the Taormina Nord exit where you follow the signs for the church.
From Catania, take the A18 from via Sant'Euplio and continue in the direction of Taormina for 45,8km, then take the Taormina Nord junction and follow the signs for the Sanctuary.
From Syracuse, take the E45 from viale Paolo Orsi and follow the road for 108km to the Taormina exit, then take the Taormina Nord junction and continue in the direction of the Church.