Greek Amphitheatre Taormina, Taormina

Greek Amphitheatre Taormina, Taormina

Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the Teatro Greco or Greek Amphitheatre in Taormina is the second largest of its kind in Sicily, after the theatre in Siracusa.

Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the Teatro Greco or Greek Amphitheatre in Taormina is the second largest of its kind in Sicily, after the theatre in Siracusa. Carved into the rocky ridge of Mount Tauro, the brick amphitheatre is laid out in typical Greek style though it was built during the Roman era. Its cavea (semicircular seating area) has a diameter of 109 metres, and has the remains of a small shrine at the top. Most of the present day theatre dates to the reconstruction in the 2nd century AD under Trajan or Hadrian. The proscenium and wall surrounding the cavea have been preserved. The scaenae frons, or wall behind the stage, was restored in the 19th century. It has been the setting of movies such as Woody Allen's 'Mighty Aphrodite' and Richard Brooks' 'The Light Touch'. It frequently stages operas, concerts, and theatrical performances. The annual Taormina Film Fest is held here. Explore the ruins to get a sense of Taormina's history, and catch a performance in seasion. You can get great views of the Ionian Sea from here.