Taormina Ancient Theatre

The Taormina Ancient Theatre is an ancient Greek theatre located in Taormina, Sicily, Italy. It was originally built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC and later reconstructed and expanded by the Romans. Although it’s referred to as an amphitheater, it’s actually an ancient theatre rather than the typical coliseum. Today, the theatre is still used for concerts, plays, and other events. 🎭🎶 Around 750 BC, the ancient Greeks began settling in Sicily, utilizing the island's fertile soil and advantageous trade location to establish many significant settlements. In the 3rd century BC, during the time of Hieron II, the Greeks directly carved a theatre into the hard rock of Mount Tauro, removing about 100,000 cubic meters of stone. Slaves dragged large columns up the mountain to surround the stage. The Greek theatre was designed for dramatic or musical performances, featuring an orchestra on the lowest level and a grand stage for actors or dancers to perform. The design of the cavea (auditorium) with its steps and seats allows all 5,400 spectators to hear perfectly, no matter where they sit. 🎤 Later, during the Roman rule, the theatre was rebuilt, possibly during the time of Hadrian or Trajan. In the 3rd century AD, the theatre was remodeled, transforming the orchestra into an arena and removing the stage. The theatre has a diameter of 107 meters and can accommodate around 10,000 spectators. It is one of the oldest theatres in ancient Greece, featuring a semi-circular cavea instead of the older trapezoidal design, which is divided into nine sections. On either side of the stage are the grand entrances. The Taormina theatre has become part of the natural landscape, with the stunning coastal views of Calabria providing a beautiful backdrop for performances. In addition, remnants of another Greek-style building have been discovered beneath the Roman cavea. 🌅🏛️ #Italy #AttractionRecommendation #BeautifulScenery