Corvaja Palace

Corvaja Palace (Palazzo Corvaja in Italian) is a medieval Sicilian palace, dating from the 10th century. It is located in the popular tourist resort of Taormina in the Province of Messina. It was originally built by the Arabs and takes it name from the Corvaja family, who were amongst Taormina's most important aristocrats and owned it from 1538 to 1945.

The inner courtyard of Corvaja Palace. Its Arabic influence can be seen in the style of the arched windows and doorways

History

Corvaja Palace, which is located in Piazza Badia in Taormina, Sicily at right angles to the church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, was originally built in the 10th century by the Arabs who then ruled Taormina, having conquered the town in 902. It was subsequently added to over various periods up until the 15th century. Its main body is an Arabic tower, and it has an inner courtyard where the Arabic influence can be seen in the arched windows and doorways. A 13th century staircase leads up to the first floor and an ornamental balcony which overlooks the courtyard.

In 1410, Corvaja Palace housed the Sicilian Parliament. It was renovated in 1945 by Armando Dillo, and as of 2009 it is the seat for the Azienda Autonoma Soggiorno e Turismo.

Exterior of Corvaja Palace

References

• Taormina in Tasca, published by Dario Flaccovio Editore, June 2003 ISBN 88-7758-502-1