Duca S. Stefano

Near the Catania Gate stands the Palace of the Dukes of Santo Stefano, counted among the expressions of Norman architecture better preserved in Taormina. The building dates from the mid-thirteenth century and the early fourteenth century. The building has incorporated some existing masonry structures that are likely to go back to the Arab domination. This house was the residence of the Dukes of Santo Stefano of Spain .  You may have the best view of this structure from the garden of palm trees  and  plants unique of its kind,  and an ancient well where  in it was  collect  the  rainwater. The building, entirely made of stone still shows large square blocks in the lower  area. One of the characteristics of this building that looks more like a tower than a building  is a  fine frame that marks all  with a series of arches made of limestone and black lava rock, all the work is handmade. Today is the seat of the Fondazione G.  Mazzullo infact,  sculptures and graphics  of this artist are exposed in the garden  in the three floors of the building of 100 square meters each.