Greek Theatre of Taormina

Taormina, Italy

Teatro antico di Taormina is an ancient Greek theatre in Taormina, built in the third century BC. The ancient theatre is built for the most part of brick, and is therefore probably of Roman date, though the plan and arrangement are in accordance with those of Greek, rather than Roman, theatres; whence it is supposed that the present structure was rebuilt upon the foundations of an older theatre of the Greek period.

With a diameter of 120 metres (after an expansion in the 2nd century), this theatre is the second largest of its kind in Sicily (after that of Syracuse); it is frequently used for operatic and theatrical performances and for concerts. The greater part of the original seats have disappeared, but the wall which surrounded the whole cavea is preserved, and the proscenium with the back wall of the scena and its appendages, of which only traces remain in most ancient theatres, are here preserved in singular integrity, and contribute much to the picturesque effect, as well as to the interest, of the ruin.

From the fragments of architectural decorations still extant we learn that it was of the Corinthian order, and richly ornamented. Some portions of a temple are also visible, converted into the church of San Pancrazio, but the edifice is of small size.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 3rd century BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Pio Anitelea (2 years ago)
Stunning place! To have such a jewel up above the clouds with beautiful surroundings views of the town and sea view.. Just an extraordinary place to be at in my lifetime! Never thought I’ll be here in Sicily, but to be at this particular place is must for anyones life!
Eduard Moraru (2 years ago)
The theater itself is great. The fact that it is still used for actual plays is both impressive and a bit annoying, as the modern upgrades take away from its ancient charm. It is massive and still going strong after so many years. It's location is probably what makes i more attractive, being up a mountain and with breathtaking view over the beaches and coast. Entry is 10 euros and some may consider it a bit much (since there is not much to do), but you really pay for the view and awesome lookout spots in an ancient site. The queue gets long in the afternoon, so you might want to go before noon.
Ma Szilvi (2 years ago)
Really nice place to visit. Is an entry fee for 10€ but is worth to go there, climb a bit more up and see the view from this theatre. Nicely built huge monument. While you in Taormina do not miss this out unless you plan to come back in your life again. Is beautiful.
Kateřina Plívová (2 years ago)
An absolute must during a visit in Taormina! This wonderful antique theater offers not only interesting history but also breathtaking views. The entrance is 10€ per person but we used the discount for EU citizens between 18 and 25 years of age and paid 5€ per person (for this discount, you need to provide an ID to prove your age and nationality). Card payments are accepted. It's a wonderful place to visit. You can sit and admire the views or you can visit a cafe there (which we didn't go to but the option is there). Definitely recommend.
Zachary Bradshaw (2 years ago)
Amazing, beautiful, just pure in awe when we visited here today. The architecture and the way the structure has stood the test of roughly 2300 yrs is just mind boggling!! Amazing views of the ocean and Taormina landscapes!! Highly recommended if your even slightly into history!! I couldn't stop saying "Wow, this is beautiful, this is amazing!! I'm from the USA and you can literally barely find anything architecturally stunning like this in the States!! ????
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Bengtskär Lighthouse

Towering 52 meters above the sea, Bengtskär lighthouse is the tallest one in Scandinavia. The building started in in 1905 after the shipwreck of S/S Helsingfors and was completed in 1906. The lighthouse was designed by architect Florentin Granholm. On December a special petrol lantern, designed and built in Paris, was brought to Bengtskär and installed atop the tower.

German fleet bombarded Bengstkär in the First World War in 1914. Since the Gulf of Finland was heavily mined, it was not until 1919 that the surrounding seas were declared safe for shipping, that the light was lit again.

After the war the military value of Bengtskär increased as part of the defence system of independent Finland. In Second World War (1941) Soviet Union made a suprise attack to island. After a bloody battle, the small Finnish garrison emerged victorious. Intermittent repairs to the facility continued during the post-war period.