Florence Trevelyan, a member of British nobility, arrived in Sicily in 1889 after being exiled following a forbidden romance (most likely with the future King Edward VII). She married Salvatore Cacciola, a respected local who served as mayor of Taormina for many years. She purchased land and established the impressive gardens, planting trees from around the world, an abundance of flowers and shrubs, and bird nesting houses.

After her death, the gardens became public and bear her name. The garden’s bloom attracts many birds that stop to rest, along with numerous tourists who enjoy the stunning view of Giardini Naxos Bay and Mount Etna.