A Beautiful and Unusual Park in Taormina

 The community park in Taormina is a lovely slice of English garden brought to Italy.  It was the project and life long dream of a woman named Florence Trevelyan.
 
When Florence  arrived in Taormina in 1884 she set about creating her own corner of England next to the Greek/Roman amphitheater. She called it Hallington-Siculo, after the name of her hometown in England.

After being orphaned at an early age Florence was taken into the royal household at Balmoral, Scotland through family connections. Queen Victoria fostered her and imparted her passions for dogs and plants, among other things, onto Florence.

 At the age of 27, Florence was however suddenly banished from court and given 48 hours to leave the country. It was rumored that she had a bit of a fling with Victoria’s son, Edward VII. To keep her at a safe distance from home, the Royal Treasurer was ordered to pay Florence an allowance of £50 a month enabling her to embark on her own round-the-world tour.

 After settling in Taormina, Florence married the wealthy mayor and Gran Maestro of Taormina’s Freemasonry Lodge. An adoring husband, he bought her all the mountains at the back of Taormina, including Castelmola where she is buried.

The park contains many "follies", or buildings that Florence had erected on a whim, and many rare plants.

 The view from the park is amazing...

 

Just another lovely diversion on our adventure through Sicily...

"Angels of Our Time"