The Arabian Necropolis

The Necropolis is situatated just outside the town of Taormina.

In a wooded area along the Via Lurgi Pirandello, is a stretch of ancient wall with rows of recesses symmetrically arranged one above the other. These are not Roman ruins, as we might too hastily imagine, but the remains of an old Byzantine cemetery, probably used again in the Arab period. *

The Arabian Necropolis

It is thought to have been created during the 10th and 11th centuries and is defined as a columbary necropolis due to the fact that the cells are symmetrical and situated one on top of the other.

What can be seen today are the remains of a much larger construction which went on towards the north-eastern part of the town centre between the current necropolis site and the lower Church of St. Peter outside the town walls.

The Arabian Necropolis

The Arabian Necropolis

The Arabian Necropolis

*From the guidebook – Taormina The Pearl of the Ionian Sea

14 Comments CherryPie on Dec 10th 2019

14 Responses to “The Arabian Necropolis”

  1. Ayush says:

    this is indeed quite a necropolis, CP. i cannot remember having seen such a structure in a wall form.

  2. lisl says:

    It certainly does look very Roman, Cherie

  3. ....peter says:

    this was a great presentation of the Arabian Necropolis Cherie….peter:)

  4. The red wall in the North has crumbled!
    It’s time to move on.

  5. The Yum List says:

    It is incredible to think about how these amazing structures were made in the past.

  6. Astrid says:

    It is amazing what is to be found from ancient history, Cherry. This is so extra ordinary. Beautiful pictures.

  7. Yes – this place was fascinating. You had better weather than we did and your photos are MUCH better!