Byzantine Tombs
Ancient Byzantine burial chambers offering a tangible link to Taormina's early Christian past, nestled by a bustling street.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less traffic, more peaceful
Byzantine Tombs
Best Time
Less traffic, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Byzantine burial chambers offering a tangible link to Taormina's early Christian past, nestled by a bustling street.
"Interesting little stop in Taormina, giving a surprising glimpse into its very long history."
👀 Quick Stop Potential
Great for a brief look if you're passing by, but not a destination to plan your day around.
🚗 Traffic Awareness
Be cautious of traffic when viewing the tombs, as they are located right on a busy street.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Byzantine Burial Niches
Along Via Pirandello
Rows of small, vaulted chambers and stacked burial niches, offering a tangible link to ancient Taormina's past.
Early Christian Cemetery
Along Via Pirandello
Discover the historical layers of this site, used for burials from Roman times through the Byzantine period.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👀 Quick Stop Potential
Great for a brief look if you're passing by, but not a destination to plan your day around.
🚗 Traffic Awareness
Be cautious of traffic when viewing the tombs, as they are located right on a busy street.
Constantinople tour advice
Which Easter Roman/Byzantine emperors have known tombs?
🧐 Historical Context
Remember these are Byzantine, not Saracen, tombs, part of an early Christian cemetery.
🚶♀️ Easy to Miss
Pause to appreciate this surprising glimpse into Taormina's long history; it's easy to walk past.
Byzantine places to visit other than Istanbul?
Tips
from all over the internet
👀 Quick Stop Potential
Great for a brief look if you're passing by, but not a destination to plan your day around.
🚗 Traffic Awareness
Be cautious of traffic when viewing the tombs, as they are located right on a busy street.
🧐 Historical Context
Remember these are Byzantine, not Saracen, tombs, part of an early Christian cemetery.
🚶♀️ Easy to Miss
Pause to appreciate this surprising glimpse into Taormina's long history; it's easy to walk past.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Byzantine Tombs an interesting historical glimpse into Taormina's past, particularly its early Christian and Byzantine periods. While appreciated for their historical value, many note the site's location directly on a busy street, making it more of a quick stop than a primary destination. The tombs are seen as a worthwhile, free historical marker for those passing by.
"Interesting but is right on the street with not much more surrounding, I wouldn’t plan a visit there but its ok to have a look if you are passing by."
Luciana Fauci
"Historical place to visit ..
Be careful in traffic, 🚦
The road is pretty difficult 😵💫"
Mays Land
"Really interesting little stop in Taormina. These tombs are often called “Saracen,” but they are actually part of an early Christian cemetery used from Roman times through the Byzantine period. What you see are rows of small vaulted chambers where people were buried and then sealed up with stone.
The site was rediscovered in the 1990s during road works, although parts had already been destroyed in the 1800s. Today you can still spot more than thirty burial niches stacked like shelves in the wall.
It is right along Via Pirandello, just a few minutes from the town center. Easy to walk past, but if you pause it gives you a surprising glimpse into Taormina’s very long history"
Edwin van Halem
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Byzantine Tombs are conveniently located along Via Pirandello, a short walk from Taormina's town center. If you're driving, be mindful of traffic as the road can be busy. +1
Parking in Taormina can be challenging. It's best to use one of the public parking garages (like Lumbi or Porta Catania) and walk to the site.
Yes, local buses often pass by Via Pirandello. It's a good option if you want to avoid driving and parking hassles in Taormina.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Byzantine Tombs are an open-air site and generally accessible without a ticket. It's a free historical stop.
As an outdoor historical site, there are no set opening hours. You can view them at any time, though visiting during daylight is recommended for visibility.
There is no entrance fee to see the Byzantine Tombs. It's a historical landmark that can be viewed freely.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see rows of small, vaulted chambers and stacked burial niches, remnants of an early Christian cemetery used from Roman through the Byzantine periods.
A visit to the Byzantine Tombs is typically very brief, often just a few minutes to observe the site. It's a quick stop rather than a lengthy excursion. +1
While parts were destroyed in the 1800s, over thirty burial niches are still visible. They offer a glimpse into ancient burial practices.
The main concern is traffic on Via Pirandello. Be aware of your surroundings and traffic when observing the tombs.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique stacked burial niches and the ancient stonework. The late afternoon light can add a dramatic effect to your photos.
Yes, photography is generally permitted at the Byzantine Tombs. It's a great way to document this historical find.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind the location is right on a busy street, so constant supervision is essential to ensure children stay safe from traffic. It's best viewed as a brief educational moment during a walk through Taormina, rather than a dedicated family outing. Pack snacks and water, as there are no facilities directly at the site.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk along Via Pirandello to enjoy the views. Since it's a quick stop, it won't eat into your time or budget, allowing you to allocate resources to other experiences like local trattorias or entrance fees for other attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance of the Byzantine Tombs
The rediscovery of these tombs in the 1990s during road works highlighted their importance, though some sections had already been lost in the 19th century. The surviving structures, with over thirty burial niches stacked like shelves, are a testament to the site's enduring legacy. They provide a tangible connection to Taormina's very long and layered past, making them a fascinating historical stop.
Visiting the Byzantine Tombs offers a unique perspective on the transition from Roman to Byzantine influence in the region. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple roadside attractions can hold profound historical narratives. The archaeological finds from this period are scattered, but these tombs offer a concentrated glimpse into Byzantine life and death.
Navigating the Location and Traffic
Travelers often note the 'difficult' road conditions and the need to 'be careful in traffic.' This advice underscores the importance of staying aware of your surroundings. It's not a place where you can leisurely linger without considering the flow of cars and scooters.
For those arriving by car, parking in Taormina is generally limited and can be expensive. It's often recommended to utilize public parking garages and then walk to the site. This approach not only saves the stress of finding street parking but also allows you to experience the town on foot, making the brief visit to the tombs a part of a larger exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit