Via Teatro Greco (Greek Theatre Street), Taormina

Greek Theatre Street (Via Teatro Greco) leads from Abbey Square (Piazza Badia) and the Bam Bar directly to the Greek Theatre of Taormina. This is the only way to the theatre. On the left side of the street, walking toward the theatre is the elegant staircase dedicated to the Corinthian General Timoleon, who defended the town against the Carthaginians.

The staircase of Timoleon is very similar to the Spanish Steps before the Church of the Holy Trinity in Rome. In May each year, the stairs are adorned with azaleas in homage to the Roman steps.

The street is not without shops and beautiful buildings. The Home of Lady Florence Trevelyan, wife of Professor Salvatore Cacciola, and sponsor of the Public Gardens of Taormina, is close by. The 19th-century, English-style Hotel Timeo sits in its park. The Corvaja Palace (Palazzo Corvaja) houses the Sicilian Museum of Art and Traditions.

Cuseni House (Casa Cuseni) is an Art Nouveau house at the top of the street. It is reminiscent of the architectural designs of Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona, Spain. The shops are full of souvenirs and traditional ceramics. Halfway on the Greek Theatre Street, at the bottom of the steps of Timoleone Street, shrouded in greenery, are several bars and cafes.

At the end of the Greek Theatre Street, directly before the amphitheater, is the Grand Hotel Timeo. Turn and look back up the street. See the Taormina Fortress atop the crown of Mount Tauro.