Taormina Ancient Theatre
The Taormina Ancient Theatre is a magnificent Greek theatre in Taormina, Sicily, Italy and is also renowned world over. The theatre was originally built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, and it was later expanded and renovated by the Romans. Avail tickets to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy audioguided tours.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Explore the exceptionally well-preserved Greek Theater of Taormina, considered one of the world's most spectacular amphitheaters.
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The theater offers views of the Calabrian and Ionian coasts of Sicily. On clear days, the unchanged view of Mount Etna spans over 2,300 years.
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Learn how this theatre went from staging musicals to gladiator battles with audio guides. You can tailor your pace and choose from 5 languages!
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Next to the theater, discover the Antiquarium—a small museum boasting treasures like the Caius Claudius Marcellus statue and an oval marble sarcophagus.
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Fun Fact: Taormina hosts concerts, plays, and operas, along with prestigious events like Taormina Arte, the Taormina Film Fest, and the David di Donatello award ceremony.
More details
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Explore the exceptionally well-preserved Greek Theater of Taormina, considered one of the world's most spectacular amphitheaters.
-
The theater offers views of the Calabrian and Ionian coasts of Sicily. On clear days, the unchanged view of Mount Etna spans over 2,300 years.
-
Learn how this theatre went from staging musicals to gladiator battles with audio guides. You can tailor your pace and choose from 5 languages!
-
Next to the theater, discover the Antiquarium—a small museum boasting treasures like the Caius Claudius Marcellus statue and an oval marble sarcophagus.
-
Fun Fact: Taormina hosts concerts, plays, and operas, along with prestigious events like Taormina Arte, the Taormina Film Fest, and the David di Donatello award ceremony.
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About Taormina Ancient Theatre
The ancient theater of Taormina, dating back to the 3rd century B.C., is one of the most remarkable remnants of Greek and Roman influence in Sicily. Carved into the slopes of Mount Taurus, it offers breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With its well-preserved structure and excellent acoustics, the theater continues to host various cultural events and performances, attracting visitors from around the world.
The Ancient Theater of Taormina was originally built by the ancient Greeks in the 3rd century BC.
The theater, initially Greek, was heavily modified by the Romans, blending Greek and Roman styles to create its current form.
The theater's design has excellent acoustics which allow performers to project their voices naturally, without modern amplification.
Why visit Taormina Ancient Theatre?
Highlights
The Antiquarium
Adjacent to the theater lies the Antiquarium, a small archeological museum where you can see valuable artifacts, including a dedicated statue of Caius Claudius Marcellus and a finely carved oval marble sarcophagus.
The Naumachia
Built during the Roman era, the Naumachia or the naval battle, stands as an important monumental fountain. Its impressive design includes a red brick wall that spans over one hundred meters and stands at a height of five meters.
The Cavea (Seating Area)
The tiered seating area, known as the cavea, is perhaps the most iconic feature of the Ancient Theatre of Taormina. Carved into the natural rock of the hillside, the cavea offers spectacular views of the stage and the surrounding landscape.
The Scene (stage)
Although now a faint shadow of its former self, the scene is where the actors performed. However, it is now in ruins and many of its original columns are lost.
The Orchestra
This space was dedicated to the singers/musicians and performers during the Greek times. When the Romans took over, it was repurposed as the arena for gladiatorial combat.
Plan your visit
Last admission: 45 minutes before closing time.
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