Friday, August 3, 2012

The Greek Theatre in Taormina


A highlight of a Taormina visit is the Teatro Greco, an ancient structure originally built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC for theatrical performances. In the 2nd century AD (yes, that was 500 years later) the Romans reconstructed it to fit their entertainment choices, that is gladiator and wild animal fights.

The Teatro Greco would be a remarkable monument by itself, but what makes it especially splendid is its being situated on top of a hill with majestic views of the Ionian Sea, Mount Etna and Taormina. You can still catch a performance here - add one more thing to the bucket list!

This is what I call theater with a view! Mt Etna 
is puffing smoke quietly in the background.

Dramatic cliffs and the city of Taormina frame the setting

700 feet below sparkles the Ionian Sea

Some of the original seating is replaced by bleachers,
other parts are reconstructed or reinforced, making 
it a functional theater today.

What more can you ask for in a picture? Volcano, 
turquoise waters, picturesque town... 

View of Taormina from the Teatro Greco

The tiny island of Isola Bella below Taormina on the Ionian Sea

Two lagoons flanking Isola Bella create what my daughter 
irreverently called butt cheek beach :-)

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