On July 11, 2015, a monument to Anna Akhmatova was unveiled in Taormina, Sicily. The monument is located in the garden of the Giuseppe Mazzullo Cultural Foundation at Palazzo Duca di Santo Stefano. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the city authorities, Russian diplomats, students, and journalists.

The mayor of Taormina congratulated the Russian poetess of the 20th century on her 'return' to Sicily, reminding everyone that Akhmatova visited this island in 1964 and received a local literary award. The initiative to install the monument came from several Russian foundations. Anna Andreyevna was indeed here half a century ago and was awarded the prestigious 'Etna-Taormina' prize, which the Italians presented to her, calling her the 'great princess of Russian poetry.'

This award, established in the post-war years, was forgotten in the 70s, but in 2013 it was decided to revive it thanks to the efforts of Russian and Italian enthusiasts, including professors from the Gorky Literary Institute, and with the support of the Russian Consulate General in Palermo. Thus, the International Poetry Prize 'Etna, Taormina' named after Anna Akhmatova was born.

In July 2014, on the 50th anniversary of the award to Akhmatova, the first laureate was Russian poetess Larisa Vasilieva. In December of the same year, the first 'Akhmatov Readings' took place. Earlier, one of the alleys in Taormina was named in honor of Akhmatova.