The origin of the Church of the Visitation, commonly known as the Church of the Varò, dates back to early Christian times as evidenced by its crypt. Located in the historic centre of Taormina on Via Conte Ruggero, the current building mainly reflects late 18th-century and early 19th-century reconstructions financed by Knight Blasio Corvaja and completed by his brother Sigismondo.
What to see
The south facade features a doorway built from Taormina stone topped by a Siracusa stone window. The eastern side, facing Piazzetta del Varò, is reached via a short double flight of stairs with a wrought-iron railing that leads to a portal made of pink Taormina marble. A small bell tower supported by masonry arches sits on the north-east corner.
Inside, the single-nave layout contains matching side altars decorated with twisted columns and Corinthian capitals. The right wall holds the 18th-century chapels of Saint Rosalia and Saint Mary Elizabeth, as well as the pulpit. Along the left wall stand 17th-century statues of Saint Cajetan of Thiene and Saint Francis of Paola—bearing the arms of the Romano family patrons—alongside a statue of Saint Lucy and the organ. The presbytery features majolica floor tiles, a local red marble balustrade, and the 1699 fresco Triumph of the Cross painted by Vincenzo Tuccari. Set into the wall to the right of the high altar is the tomb and sleeping figure of Count Giovanni Romano e Dente, who passed away on August 11, 1699.
Visiting
The church plays a central role in Taormina's Easter rites as the starting point for the Good Friday procession. Members of the Congregation of Our Lady of Sorrows, re-established in 1893 to replace an earlier Spanish-era noble brotherhood, dress in black to carry the statue of the Addolorata on their shoulders through torchlit streets.
Our editors' tip
Take time in the presbytery to examine the right wall beside the main altar, where the reclining funerary statue of Count Giovanni Romano e Dente commemorates the church's 17th-century benefactor.