TEATRO ANTICO

Goethe, a famous traveller and lover of Italy, described him in this way during his visit to Taormina in 1787: "The Greek theatre, with part of the stage still standing, is situated in the heart of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world... On the right are the castles rising from the rocks, below us the city, and in front of the long Etna massif; on the left, the seaside as far as Catania and even Syracuse, an immense picture closed by the colossal smoking volcano which in the softness of the sky appears more distant, and more serene. "Built on an idyllic site, facing the sea, it is the second largest Greek theatre in Sicily, after that of Syracuse, with a diameter of 109 m.

The present brick building, dating from the Roman period (2nd century BC), was rebuilt on an older theatre from the Hellenistic period. Divided into 9 sectors, it follows the natural concavity of the hill in which it is set. The wall that surrounds the cavea (the space where the stands are located), which is very well preserved, consists of elegant Corinthian columns and semi-circular niches.

From the end of July to September, the theatre, which has excellent acoustics, is reborn with the Taormina Arte Festival, during which theatre and dance performances and concerts can be seen and listened to, but it is necessary to book in advance.

Attention you will not be able to visit if there is a concert, one more reason to inquire about the programming .