Roman Theater of Catania, Catania (must see)

The Roman Theater of Catania is actually two open air semicircular theaters. The site is bordered by San Francesco Square, Vittorio Emanuele Street and Teatro Greco Street in central Catania. The large theater and the smaller one, called the Odeon, are part of Graeco-Roman Archaeological Park of Catania.

The theater was built in the 2nd century AD. It was not completely excavated until the 19th century. Seats rise up a hillside facing the sea. The orchestra and stage have a diameter of 84 feet. The cavea (seating) section has a depth of 322 feet. Twenty-one rows of seats could hold up to 7,000 spactators. Exits were below the seats.

After the fifth century AD the theater and Odeon were no longer used. Digging on the site began in the 18th century during the rule of Ignazio Paterno Castello, the Prince of Biscari.

Finally, in 1959 the site was cleared of houses that were encroaching on the area and the theater and the Odeon were exposed. Artifacts removed from the dig are displayed nearby in the Pandolfo House and Liberti House.