Tucked away in the picturesque town of Taormina, Sicily, stands a testament to ancient grandeur – the Ancient Theatre of Taormina. This majestic structure has witnessed the passage of time, silently bearing witness to the birth of art, drama, and culture. As we delve into the world of this enchanting theatre, let us embark on a journey through its storied past, explore its intricacies, and unravel the secrets that lie within.
Hours and Prices: Unlocking the Theatre’s Secrets
Before we begin our odyssey, it is essential to understand the theatre’s operating hours and ticket prices. Open daily, the Ancient Theatre welcomes visitors from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm during the winter months (November to mid-February) and up to 7:00 pm during the summer period (May to August). During the off-season, the closing time varies between 16:30 and 18:30.
The best way to avoid waiting in line is to arrive between 9:00 am and 10:00 am or around the closing time. Purchasing online tickets or joining an organized tour that starts at €19.00 can help you skip the queue. The admission ticket price is €10.00, with discounts available for EU citizens aged 18-25, children under 18 years old, people with disabilities, and their family members.
Online Tickets and Guided Visits: Enhancing Your Experience
To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing online tickets or joining a guided tour that starts at €19.00. This will not only ensure you avoid waiting in line but also provide you with an in-depth understanding of the theatre’s history and significance.
What to See and How to Visit the Ancient Theatre
The Ancient Theatre, built by the Greeks probably in the 3rd century BC, was designed to host dramatic performances and concerts. During the Roman period, it transformed into a venue for gladiatorial combats. To create space for combat, the orchestra (the area meant for musicians) was expanded and became an arena.
Today, there are two entrance points: the main one in Via Teatro Antico and a secondary one in Via Bagnoli Croci. The theatre is remarkably well-preserved, with four distinct parts that can be admired:
- The Orchestra: Where musicians once played during the Greek period, while with the Romans it became an arena.
- The Scene: The most important part that remains of the theatre, which was raised to stage dramatic performances. Unfortunately, not much of its decorations and columns has survived.
- The Platea: Entirely carved into the rock and capable of accommodating about 5,400 spectators, where the authorities sat in the first row and the VIPs in the front rows. You can still see the nine distinct sections that access was made via ladders.
- The Porticoes: Built behind the last row of the platea to increase seating capacity.
Where it is Located and How to Get There
Located on foot in Via del Teatro Greco 1, Taormina; easily accessible on foot from any point in the city. The cathedral of Taormina is about 15 minutes away, the Porta Messina about 6 minutes, and the Gardens of Villa Comunale about 8 minutes.
The only way to reach the theatre is on foot, as buses do not run. If you are in surrounding areas, you can get there with a bus up to the Terminal Interbus Taormina on Via Pirandello and then walk from there to the destination (about 10 minutes on foot).
Useful Tips for Visiting the Attraction
- Rise early: It’s ideal to reach the entrance by 9 am, when there is less crowd.
- Audio guides available at the entrance for €5.00
- Mind your manners: do not eat and drink inside the theatre, do not litter and leave your belongings out of order.
- Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
- Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
- Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...
Minimum Visit Time: 1 hour
A minimum visit time of 1 hour is recommended to appreciate the full majesty of this ancient wonder.
Brief Historical Notes, Curiosities, and Practical Information: What You Need to Know
The Ancient Theatre was built by the Greeks probably in the 3rd century BC as a place for entertainment, watching performances and concerts. During the Roman period, its role remained the same but was replaced with gladiatorial combats.
Over the centuries, the site lost its original function and fell into disuse. In fact, during the Middle Ages, some of its parts, such as those beautiful columns, were used to build other important buildings in Taormina, like the cathedral.
However, starting from the 1950s, the theatre has been reused for various events, not only theatrical performances and concerts but also ceremonies of awarding prizes and important events.
Since April 2019, the Ancient Theatre has two entrances: one main entrance on Via Teatro Antico and a secondary one on Via Bagnoli Croci. We recommend hiring an audio guide for €5.00 to really discover what lies behind these remains of the theatre.
Conclusion
The Ancient Theatre of Taormina is an enchanting destination that offers a glimpse into the past, while showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of ancient civilizations. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and serene ambiance, it is an absolute must-visit for anyone traveling to Sicily. So, plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this incredible landmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the operating hours of the Ancient Theatre?
- The theatre is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm during the winter months (November to mid-February) and up to 7:00 pm during the summer period (May to August).
- Can I buy tickets online?
- Yes, you can purchase online tickets or join a guided tour that starts at €19.00.
- How do I get to the Ancient Theatre from Taormina city center?
- The theatre is located on foot in Via del Teatro Greco 1, Taormina; easily accessible on foot from any point in the city.
- Can I bring food and drink inside the theatre?
- No, you are not allowed to eat and drink inside the theatre.
- Are there discounts available for visitors?
- Yes, EU citizens aged 18-25, children under 18 years old, people with disabilities, and their family members or accompanying guides can enjoy discounted prices.
- Can I use my credit card to purchase tickets online?
- The ticketing system only accepts payment by bank transfer, cash, or credit cards for guided tours.
- Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, the theatre is wheelchair accessible, and there are lifts available to assist visitors with mobility issues.
- Can I visit the Ancient Theatre at night?
- The theatre can be visited at any time of day or night, but guided tours may have limited availability in the evening.
By answering these frequently asked questions, we hope you’ll feel more prepared for your visit to this incredible ancient wonder and make the most of your time exploring its storied past.
