Chiesa di Sant'Agostino (Church of Saint Augustine), Taormina

Built in 1448 as the Church of Saint Sebastian, the sacred site was invoked by locals seeking protection from a devastating plague. In 1530, this devotion evolved: the church was granted to the Augustinian Hermits, who rededicated it to Saint Augustine of Hippo, enriching its spiritual significance.

Walking through its façade, note the blend of Gothic heritage and later historical layers. The original pointed-arch portal and small rose window remain alongside an elegant 18th-century marble architrave - a testament to centuries of architectural adaptation. A modest bell tower, complete with delicate lava-stone inlays and merlons, rises to the side-adding a medieval charm to Taormina’s skyline.

Inside, exposed wooden beam ceilings and shallow Corinthian-style niches create a sense of warmth and simplicity. While much of the original décor no longer remains, the layout evokes a serene atmosphere rooted in centuries of devotion. Historically, the church also housed an exquisite polyptych by Antonello de Saliba-now preserved in the Duomo of Taormina-a reminder of its once-celebrated artistic treasures.

Today, the building plays a vital cultural role: after being expropriated in 1866, it served varied civic functions and became Taormina’s municipal library in 1933. A careful restoration in 1981 transformed the complex into a center for reading, community events, and exhibitions.