Giardini-Naxos
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| Comune di Giardini-Naxos | |
|---|---|
 Municipal coat of arms |
|
| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Province | Province of Messina (ME) |
| Mayor | Salvatore Giglio (since May 27, 2003) |
| Elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Area | 5 km² (2 sq mi) |
| Population (as of 2004) | |
| - Total | 9,768 |
| - Density | 1,954/km² (5,061/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET, UTC+1 |
| Coordinates | |
| Gentilic | Giardinesi |
| Dialing code | 0942 |
| Postal code | 98030 |
| Patron | Maria SS. Raccomandata |
| - Day | September 8 |
| Website: http://www.comune.giardini-naxos.me.it/ | |
Giardini Naxos is a comune in Messina province on the island of Sicily in Italy. Today it is a popular seaside-resort.
[edit] Ancient Naxos
Founded by Thucles the Chalcidian in 734 BCE, it was never a powerful city, but its temple of Apollo Archegetes, protecting deity of all the Greek colonies, gave it prominence in religious affairs. Leontini and Catania were both colonized from here. Hippocrates, tyrant of Gela, captured it in 494 BCE. Its opposition to Syracuse ultimately led to its capture and destruction in 403 BCE at the hands of Dionysius the tyrant, after it had supported Athens during that city's disastrous Sicilian Expedition. Though the site continued to be inhabited, most activity shifted to neighbouring Tauromenium.
[edit] Tourist resort
Prior to the 1970's Giardini-Naxos was a quiet fishing village. Now it is a popular tourist destination, famous for it's beaches , the Ionian Sea, and it's small,but bustling fishing port. It attracts foreign visitors and Italians alike, many of whom own summer residences in the town. The seafront, Via Tysandros, is lined with hotels, smaller pensions, pubs, restaurants and pizzerias. The beaches are mostly pebbled, and quite crowded in the months of July and August. Lifeguards are provided by the Comune and are posted at regular intervals along the beaches. Besides swimming and boating, there is plenty to do and see in Giardini. There are shops, discotesques, Karaoke bars, strolling musicians wearing traditional Sicilian costumes, live bands, theatrical productions, and impromptu dancing on the beaches at night. The beautiful town of Taormina is situated in the hills above Giardini and can be easily accessed by car and bus. Giardini also has many churches and an archeological park.
[edit] External link
- Official site (Italian)
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