This Greek theater carved from the mountainside in the 3rd century BC offers stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The well-preserved structure still hosts concerts and theatrical performances, combining ancient history with dramatic Sicilian scenery.
The Teatro Antico di Taormina is a Greek theater carved into the hillside above the town of Taormina in eastern Sicily, originally constructed in the 3rd century BC by the Greek settlers of Tauromenion and substantially rebuilt by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. At 109 metres in diameter, it is the second-largest ancient theater in Sicily after the one at Syracuse. The theater's location is the most dramatic of any ancient performance venue in Italy: the open scaenae frons (stage backdrop) frames a view of Mount Etna to the west, the Ionian Sea and the Calabrian coastline to the east, and the terracotta rooftops of Taormina below — a combination of natural and urban spectacle that has no equal. The Romans converted the theater for gladiatorial combat, adding a podium wall around the orchestra to protect spectators and reducing the stage area. The original Greek cavea (seating area) is well preserved, with the curved tiers of limestone seating offering good sightlines whether the theater is being used for its archaeological-visit purpose or as a live performance venue. The Teatro Antico continues to host the Taormina Arte festival in July and August, featuring concerts, film screenings, and theatrical performances, as it has since 1955. During performance season, the theater closes to day visitors at 3:30 PM. The entrance fee includes access to the stage level, the cavea, and the small archaeology exhibition in the site's west wing. Via Teatro Greco leads directly from the Corso Umberto pedestrian main street to the theater entrance in approximately 10 minutes' walk.
| Admission | Adult $12 · Child Free (under 18) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (summer), 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (winter) |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Address | Via Teatro Greco, 40, 98039 Taormina ME |
Good to know
- Best for
- history, views, photography, culture
Weather through the year in Italy
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Italy.
Location
Via Teatro Greco, 40, 98039 Taormina ME
37.8525, 15.2953 View on map
Highlights
- Backdrop view of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea through the open Roman scaenae frons
- Original Greek and Roman cavea seating with views over the Straits of Messina
- Taormina Arte summer festival (July–August) — concerts and film under the Sicilian stars
- Stage-level access for walking the ancient performance space and examining Roman podium walls
- Small archaeology exhibition in the site's west wing with excavated theatrical fragments
Tips for visiting
- Visit late afternoon for best light on Mount Etna
- Check performance schedule - attending a concert is unforgettable
- Audio guide recommended to understand historical context
- Combine with Taormina's Corso Umberto shopping street
When to visit
Late afternoon (3–5 PM, when avoiding festival performance days) for the best light on Mount Etna and the longest golden hour through the theater columns. July and August for Taormina Arte festival performances — book tickets well in advance through the Taormina Arte website.
Accessibility
The theater involves steps throughout the cavea seating area and is not fully wheelchair accessible. The stage level and lower entrance area are accessible. The approach from Via Teatro Greco is steep and cobbled. Contact the site in advance for current accessible route information.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Taormina theater take?
The archaeological visit takes 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows time to explore the cavea, stage area, and archaeology exhibition, and to photograph the view of Etna framed by the columns. Evening performances at the Taormina Arte festival last 2 to 3 hours.
When is the theater closed to visitors?
During the Taormina Arte festival season (July–August), the theater closes to day visitors at 3:30 PM to allow stage preparation for evening performances. For the most flexible visit, arrive at opening time (9 AM) year-round.
How do I get to Taormina and the theater?
Taormina is reached by train to Taormina-Giardini station followed by a cable car or bus to the hilltop town (the station is at sea level, 200 metres below the town). From the Corso Umberto main pedestrian street, Via Teatro Greco leads uphill to the theater entrance in about 10 minutes.