The Ancient Theatre is probably the best known Taormina’s attraction in the world. Where else in the planet you can find a real Greek- Roman Theatre fully functional and accessible? In which other place you can admire a panorama going from the beautiful bay of Naxos, including Etna volcano and arriving until the coastline of Calabria region? The Greek-Roman Theatre of Taormina is one of the best locations I ever visited in Italy, a place where you can breathe history, art and culture whatever you look at.

The theatre is of Greek origin, which can be desumed by the presence of blocks of the so-called Taormina stone (a stone similar to marble characterizing the Magna Grecia period of the city). The Romans have rebuilt it over the years and it is actually divided into three functional parts: the scene, the orchestra and the auditorium.

The most important one is the scene, which partially retains its original shape. The auditorium has got seats reserved to the authorities, while the top ones was reserved for women. The people stood on the terraces, which had no communication with the interior of the theater. A large awning shelter the spectators from sun and rain. The auditorium was divided into five annular corridors and eight vertical ladders, each consisting of thirty steps.

The orchestra is, instead, in the middle of the theatre. Taormina Ancient Theatre has hosted for years and years the prestigiuos Italian film recognition David di Donatello, and actually is home to an international festival that each summer presents movies, classical music and theater operas.