Taormina ... The Greek Theatre

One of Sicily’s most un-missable sights is the Greek Theatre (Teatro Greco) in Taormina. 
           

The Greek Theatre also known as the Ancient Theatre, is a magnificent example of architecture dating from the third century BC with a capacity of over 7000. It is the setting for Taormina Arte a major international cultural event offering music, opera and arts over the summer months. It is also the venue for the Taormina Film Festival held every year in June.

Nothing can prepare you for the natural beauty when you visit. Carved out of the hillside the theatre gives a full panoramic view of the Ionian Sea and coastline, Mount Etna and across the straits of Messina to the mountains of Calabria on the main land.

Though founded by the Greeks the existing remains are almost entirely Roman dating back to the first century BC when Taormina was under Roman rule and known then as Tauromenium, the Roman’s used the theatre for gladiatorial shows.


The theatre is the second biggest in Sicily after the Greek Theatre in Syracuse. Its unique position provided natural scenery for the Greek tragedies, with Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos as a backdrop.

The Romans added the arched niches and columns which now obscure the views of the theatres original Greek stage setting. The stage and lower seats were cut back and a deep trench dug to accommodate animals and gladiators, now used as the orchestra pit for events.

The atmosphere is mythical and entrancing and I never need an excuse to visit and sit on one of the steps with a good book whilst looking towards our home down in the Bay of Naxos.

My recommendation is to visit early morning or nearer to closing times, during the day it is busy with throngs of tourists and tour groups from cruise ships.

These days the theatre is used for Taormina Arte, last year we had the pleasure of concerts by Simple Minds who played their greatest hits tour and also James Blunt. Previous years have seen the likes of Simply Red, Boy George, Elton John, Michael Bolton, just to name a few. We are currently waiting for 2015’s artists to be confirmed so stay posted to our Facebook page for regular updates.

This years opera season has been confirmed starting with Carmen on 15th July and August 4th 7th 10th and 13th, Don Giovanni on August 1st 9th and 12th, The Barber of Seville August 8th 11th and 14th, Nabucco on August 16th, Cavalleria Rusticana August 2nd, La Traviata August 18th and finally Aida on August 20th.


I have been to several events at the Greek Theatre, my favourite so far? Watching The Royal Ballet of London perform and also the opera Cavalleria Rusticana, there is something quite atmospheric about watching this opera as it was featured in the closing scenes of The Godfather Part III which was filmed in the stunning Teatro Massimo in Palermo.

This year I have my eyes on La Traviata and Aida.

The 61st Taormina Film Festival will be held this year from 14th to 21st June … cue celebrity spotting.


Contact us for information on private tours of Taormina including the Greek Theatre and for details of tickets for events this summer.

Next Post, Taormina .... Beach Life

www.teatrogrecotaormina.com
www.taorminafilmfest.com


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