Teatro Antico di Taormina (Ancient Theatre of Taormina), Taormina (must see)

The Ancient Theatre of Taormina is excellently placed, high above the Ionian shore, with brilliant views of the sea and the towering Volcano Etna.

Etna was the workshop of crippled Haphaistos, blacksmith to Zeus, and married to Aphrodite, Goddess of love. Aphrodite was forced to marry Hera, wife of Zeus, as punishment for her ill-considered dalliance with Zeus. So, Aphrodite set up a house with Haphaistos on the volcano but she was always unfaithful. Zeus denied everything.

Scenes like this were often on the program at the ancient amphitheater, built by Greeks in the reign of Hiero II of Syracuse. Over 100,000 cubic meters of rock were moved manually from the mountain to build the theatre. It was later improved by the Romans with statues and columns. They replaced drama with games and gladiators.

The scene where actors performed remains without the 25 columns and ornaments of yore. The orchestra was an area used by actors and musicians, ultimately replaced by gladiators. The cavea, seating carved into the rock, could hold up to 5,400 spectators. The audience part was in nine sections with porticos.

The Taormina Theatre is the second-largest theater in Sicily. Since the 1950s, it has hosted plays, concerts, operas, and ballets. The theatre is located on Teatro Greco Street. There is a modest admission fee.