The Church of Madonna della Rocca
The Church of Madonna della Rocca in Taormina is one of the most fascinating places in town, perched on a promontory that offers a breathtaking view over the city and the sea.
Madonna della Rocca: Where the Sky Touched the Mountain
Halfway between the sky and the sea, clinging like an eagle’s nest at 300 meters above sea level, the Madonna della Rocca Church of Taormina is not just a place of worship. It is a miracle of balance, a bridge between earth and the infinite that for seven centuries has defied the laws of gravity and time.
History and Legend
The church of Madonna della Rocca in Taormina dates back to the 12th century and was restored in the 1600s. It is named so because it is entirely carved into the rock, a detail that makes it unique. According to a legend handed down through the centuries, a young shepherd from Castelmola, caught in a storm, sought refuge in a cave. There, in the flash of lightning, he saw a female figure holding a child. Frightened, he ran away, but when he returned with his parents, in the place where he had seen the woman, they found a crack in the rock with a painting depicting the Madonna and Child.
Architecture and Location
The church of Madonna della Rocca in Taormina lies at the foot of Monte Tauro’s Saracen Castle, in one of the town’s most scenic spots. Its structure is simple yet captivating, with raw rock walls that create a mystical and intimate atmosphere. In front of the church stands a large concrete cross, added in 1930 during a mission by the Redemptorist Fathers.
Worship and Traditions
Every year, on the third Sunday of September, celebrations in honor of the Madonna della Rocca are held. During this occasion, the statue of the Madonna is carried in procession by the faithful, who gather to pay tribute to the Virgin. The church is also a destination for pilgrimages, thanks to its evocative setting and strong popular devotion.
How to Reach It
The easiest way to reach the Madonna della Rocca church is by public transport, with buses departing from Piazza San Pancrazio, just outside Porta Messina. Alternatively, one can climb the Salita Castello, a stairway starting from Via Circonvallazione, ideal for those who enjoy walking and taking in the view.
The Legend of the Light in the Night
It was the year 1540 when some shepherds saw a glowing light on the mountain. Climbing to investigate, they found a painting of the Virgin hanging from a holm oak – impossible to remove. The Madonna had chosen that rock for herself. The Madonna della Rocca church of Taormina that arose there seems sculpted by divine hands: its facade is the mountain itself, the apse merges with the living rock. Even today, on August 15, a ray of sunlight crosses a natural fissure and hits the ancient fresco exactly during the elevation.
The Ascension That Is Already a Prayer
To reach it, one climbs the Holy Staircase, 242 steps carved into the stone in the 1700s by hermit monks. Every ten steps, a niche with Caltagirone ceramics depicts the Mysteries of the Rosary. Locals say:
Who counts them out loud will find love within a year
Who climbs in silence will receive an answer to their most pressing question
Who turns back before the top will have to return the following year