At the end of the Fifties, a famous Artistic Pottery Craftsman occupied the ground floor with ovens and large show spaces. This was the heart of the now Hotel Vello d'Oro.
Assisted by his Danish wife, Mrs. Jensen, the Master Craftsman Cuscona worked here. A multifaceted/polyhedral artist, overwhelmingly attracted to any material: fabric, fibres, gypsum, pottery, wood, iron and metal in general, colours and cleverly transformed them into objects of art.
Art and Artistic Craftsmanship of everyday materials, and transformed into clothes, paintigs, decorations and architecture - both private and public (see the majolica 'Sirenetta' Mermaid on the Fountain in Giardini-Naxos).
A part of that vast production of decorative majolica is still visible today inside the hotel, in the form of supporting Arches, the central Fireplace, the Fountain and the Sculptures in the large Restaurant Salon. Refined enamel work and brilliant blue and green colours, the result of meticulous study and research.
Like the woodwork transformed into wall panelling and sculptures, the wrought iron, the plasterwork ceilings which decorate the bedrooms and common areas. Also to be seen are the unique painted fabrics.
All this internal decoration gives the place an atmosphere of sought-after originality.
Added on later to the original structure of the Salon, were the bedrooms, the Hall-Reception and the superb Panoramic terrace. The contemporary construction fits in well with the sloping line of the hill which the ancient Roman Wall (visible in parts) follows right up to the peak of mount Rocca-Castello. Places to visit there are the Madonna della Rocca Sanctuary and the restoration work on the Arab/Norman Castle.
The hotel goes down to the main 'Corso' (main pedestrian street) by means of steps, and has asplendid unobstructed views of unique beauty; on one side, the Greek Theatre and the historical town centre and on the other, Naxos Bay and Mount Etna.
The Vello d'Oro, therefore, has its own intrinsic architectonic story which is recognizable in the particular position of the bedrooms, common spaces, private rooms to the Restaurant and Breakfast Room which had to be blended into the existing historical-archaeological remains, the Varò 18th century Church to the South, the San Giuseppe church to the North, to the east the Medieval Tower of the Centre (called Clock Tower); the Greek-Roman city underground and on top of these, the actual Roman Wall which the hotel has encompassed without hiding.
Must-visit places are the 2 beautiful Churches, the favourite ones for celebrating Weddings.
Leaving the hotel through the Restaurant (ground floor) exit, guests find themselves in the adjacent Varò Square and lower down Corso Umberto, the famous historical pedestrian street with countless shops: Famous Brands, Antiques, Souvenirs, besides Bars, Cafés, Trattorias and Restaurants of various kinds.
A favourite for those who love the attraction of the centre not only in the daytime but also at night-time.