Church of Saint Joseph

The Church of St. Joseph is located in Piazza IX Aprile along the famous Corso Umberto, beside the clock tower. Built in the second half of 1600 the Church of St. Joseph immediately striking for its beautiful baroque facade that overlooks the square. The unmistakable Baroque style is most evident in the double staircase with stone balustrade of Syracuse, which accompanies the main entrance which leads to the churchyard. This monumental staircase double ramp is the only one you can see in Taormina. In addition to this beautiful staircase, the façade is characterized by a beautiful entrance portal made with different types of marble of Taormina. The doorposts and lintel are in white marble. Gray and pink are used for the remaining parts. On the sides of the portal there are two large columns with Ionic capitals and that rest on high bases similar to those found in the entrance of the cathedral. Above the main entrance is a niche site where there is a marble statue of Christ with his right hand raised in the act of blessing and left clutching a large cross. At the foot of this statue is the inscription “Christus regnat”.