The Church of Varò in Taormina, also known as the Church of the Visitation, is one of the most fascinating places of worship in the city, with a history rich in spirituality and tradition. Located near the Porta di Mezzo, also known as the Clock Tower, the church has ancient origins, dating back at least to the 15th century. Over the centuries, it has undergone various restorations and expansions, mainly thanks to the Corvaja family, who played a key role in its preservation and transformation.

One of the most captivating features of the Church of Varò in Taormina is the Paleochristian crypt located beneath the building. This underground structure may have been used by early Christians as a refuge during persecutions, confirming the church’s importance not only as a place of worship but also as historical evidence of the Christian presence in Taormina since ancient times.

The church is especially linked to the veneration of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary, a central figure in the city’s religious tradition. Every year, on Good Friday, a poignant procession takes place in which the women of the Congregation of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary, dressed entirely in black, solemnly carry a statue of the Virgin through the streets of the historic center. This event is considered a moment of deep spirituality and reflection, involving not only local worshippers but also many visitors and tourists who come to Taormina to witness this moving expression of devotion.

The name of the church, “Varò”, has Spanish origins and is linked to the term “Visita-ción”, referring to the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. This etymology highlights the cultural and linguistic influence that various dominations have had on Sicily throughout history. Inside the church, visitors can admire several frescoes and valuable works of art, including a depiction of the Triumph of the Cross, painted in 1699 by the well-known painter from Messina Vincenzo Tuccari.

Another interesting detail involves a diptych by the painter Antonino Giuffrè, dedicated to the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, which was once kept in the church but was later transferred to the Museum of Messina, where it can still be admired today.

The Church of Varò in Taormina also holds the tomb of Count Giovanni Romano e Dente, a prominent historical figure who was buried here in 1699. This detail further confirms the prestige of the place and its role in the history of the local nobility.

Beyond its artistic and religious value, the Church of Varò is a point of reference for the Taormina community and continues to be a symbol of Marian devotion and local traditions, passed down from generation to generation. If you’re interested in discovering more about its history and the celebrations held here, it’s definitely worth visiting in person and being captivated by its unique atmosphere.

A fascinating aspect of the Church of Varò in Taormina is its ability to combine artistic, historical, and religious elements in a unique setting that has preserved its significance through the centuries. The celebrations held there, especially those associated with Holy Week, represent a central moment of Taormina’s spirituality and attract not only residents but also many visitors drawn by the sacredness and beauty of these rites.

On Good Friday, the procession of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary unfolds in an atmosphere of deep contemplation, with lit torches and traditional chants accompanying the slow advance of the statue through the village streets. The women of the Congregation of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary play a key role, wearing black garments as a sign of mourning and devotion, while carrying the precious statue of the Virgin on their shoulders. This moment is considered by many to be one of the most moving and intense events in Taormina’s Christian tradition.

In addition to the procession, the Church of Varò in Taormina regularly hosts liturgical celebrations, cultural events, and moments of prayer that reinforce its role as a center of community and spirituality. Among the artworks housed inside, notable frescoes and decorations attest to the skill of the artists who contributed to its beauty. In particular, the Triumph of the Cross by Vincenzo Tuccari is considered one of the masterpieces of Messina’s Baroque painting, characterized by vivid colors and a composition rich in theological symbolism.

The Church of Varò in Taormina is also a point of reference for devotees of the Virgin of the Visitation, who turn to her for protection and intercession. Despite historical changes and urban transformations in Taormina, the Church of Varò has preserved its role as guardian of faith, memory, and local tradition, representing an unbreakable bond between past and present.

Anyone visiting Taormina should take time to explore this sacred place, immersing themselves in its evocative atmosphere and being enveloped by the beauty of its rituals and works of art. Every corner of the church holds a story, a memory, a moment of faith that continues to be passed down through the generations.

Church of Varò or the Visitation

Address: Via d’Orville, 1D, 98039 Taormina ME
Province: Metropolitan City of Messina


The Church of Varò in Taormina is closely connected to the Sorrowful Virgin Mary and the local religious tradition. Every year, on Good Friday, a particularly evocative procession takes place in which the women of the Congregation of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary, dressed in black, carry a statue of the Virgin on their shoulders through the streets of the historic center. This rite, illuminated by torches and accompanied by traditional songs, is considered one of the most intense moments of Taormina’s spirituality.

Beyond its artistic and religious value, the Church of Varò is a place of memory and reflection, where inscriptions and symbols tell the story of the community. On the common tomb of the members of the Congregation of Varò, an 18th-century epitaph delivers a warning about the brevity of life, accompanied by a skull with crossed bones.

The Church of Varò in Taormina, although a relatively small place of worship, has played a significant role in the religious and social life of the city. Its location, near the Porta di Mezzo, makes it easily accessible and well integrated into the historic urban fabric of Taormina.

One of the most fascinating aspects is the underground crypt, located beneath the bell tower. This mysterious space contains traces of a cruciform fresco, perhaps dating back to the early centuries of Christianity. Its presence suggests that the church may be one of the oldest in Taormina, bearing witness to the city’s long Christian tradition.

The church’s architecture is a blend of Catalan and Baroque influences, with a sober and solid façade. The main portal is made of Taormina stone, while a second side entrance, in pink marble, is accessible via a double staircase. The bell tower, incorporated into the structure, houses three bells and rests on arches decorated with fake masonry arches — a rather rare feature in Sicilian churches.