Ancient theatre of Taormina

The ancient theatre of Taormina

The Ancient theatre of Taormina ("Teatro antico di Taormina" in italian language) is an ancient Greek theatre, in Taormina, southern Italy, built early in the seventh century BC.

Description

The most amazing monument remaining at Taormina is the ancient theatre (the teatro greco, or "Greek theatre"), which is one of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily, on account both of its remarkable preservation and of the surpassing beauty of its situation. It is built for the most part of brick, and is therefore probably of Roman date, though the plan and arrangement are in accordance with those of Greek, rather than Roman, theatres; whence it is supposed that the present structure was rebuilt upon the foundations of an older theatre of the Greek period. With a diameter of 120 metres (after an expansion in the 2nd century), this theatre is the second largest of its kind in Sicily (after that of Syracuse); it is frequently used for operatic and theatrical performances and for concerts. The greater part of the original seats have disappeared, but the wall which surrounded the whole cavea is preserved, and the proscenium with the back wall of the scena and its appendages, of which only traces remain in most ancient theatres, are here preserved in singular integrity, and contribute much to the picturesque effect, as well as to the interest, of the ruin. From the fragments of architectural decorations still extant we learn that it was of the Corinthian order, and richly ornamented. Some portions of a temple are also visible, converted into the church of San Pancrazio, but the edifice is of small size.

Gallery

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  Panoramic view
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  The tribunes
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  The amphitheatre
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  A scene during the Taormina Film Fest

See also

• Taormina

External references

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ancient Greek-Roman theatre (Taormina).

• View at 360° on Teatro antico di Taormina

Coordinates: 37°51′8″N 15°17′32″E / 37.85222°N 15.29222°E / 37.85222; 15.29222

Archaeological sites in Sicily Province of Agrigento Heraclea Minoa Akragas Valle dei Templi - Temple of Concordia - Temple of Heracles - Temple of Juno - Temple of Olympian Zeus Province of Caltanissetta Gela Province of Catania Aetna (city) Katáne Palike Sant'ippolito caltagirone Province of Enna Centuripe Morgantina Villa Romana del Casale Province of Messina Abacaenum Halaesa Naxos Ancient theatre of Taormina Tindari Villa Romana di Patti Province of Palermo Entella Grotta dell'Addaura Hippana Ietas Himera Pirama Soluntum Province of Ragusa Akrillai Hybla Heraea Kamarina Kaukana Province of Syracuse Akrai Santoni Casmenae Colonne di San Basilio Helorus Netum Megara Hyblaea Syrakousai Ear of Dionysius Galermi Aqueduct Greek Theatre of Syracuse Grotta del Ninfeo Temple of Athena Temple of Apollo Necropolis of Pantalica Thapsos Villa Romana del Tellaro Province of Trapani Eryx/Erice Drepanum Halyciae Grotta del Genovese Monte Polizzo Motya Segesta Selinunte Temple C Temple E Temple F Cave di Cusa