Ancient Theatre of Taormina, Sicily, Italy

5David B 5:00 PM Sep 1, 2022

Amazing place with stunning backdrop
As an ancient monument, it is fantastic it is still in use for it's original function. We were staying in Taormina and bought tickets on line and got there around 10:30am, just before all the coach tours and groups from the cruise ship arrived. We were not bothered about the stage being set for a performance and think it just goes as a testiment to the Greeks and Romans for such a long lasting structure. We took it slow going round and it took us two hours. Definitely take water as it is hot while wandering around. We started at the top and worked out way down to the stage. We would recommend wearing proper trainers as the surface underfoot can be a bit loose and bumpy as you would expect from a 2000 year old building. This should be on everyone's list when visiting Taormina.

5Blue J 5:00 PM Aug 9, 2021

Over priced must see attraction
The Greeks chose theater sites with dramatic backdrops, and this location follows suit. You have an amazing view of Mt. Etna framed dead center in the opening of the back wall of the theater. A very picturesque and dramatic scene. If you have been to Segesta, you can see what an amphitheater restoration looks like when the history of the site registers higher than the commercial value. Here as in Syracuse they have sought to create a modern concert venue at the expense of the historical value of the place. The stage platform and the associated lighting pods were in stark contrast to the ancient brick and stone work. If you are into antiquities, the contrast is sickening. We walked to the ticketing office to purchase tickets during Covid protocols. The wait in line in July 2021 was over an hour in full sun and fully masked. This was the only historical site in Sicily that did not give us any type of student discount. We paid full price for the 5 of us even though 2 of us are seniors and 2 of us are enrolled students. Taormina is a tourist trap so we were not surprised. I believe the cost for the 5 of us was 80 euros. You can easily see the theater and take your pictures in approximately 30 minutes. That said we spent about an hour inside the theater to drink in the views and try to get a few pictures without the ubiquitous "one" person who has to stand in the middle of the place and enact some insane pose. This is another attraction in Sicily where I have no idea where the restrooms are located. I cannot reinforce enough the point that if you require frequent restroom access, make sure you find such locations prior to entering the queue for the attraction. There is some signage around the theater to provide the historical context but like most antiquities in Sicily, we found the best approach was to learn about the site prior to visitation because the best information was on line versus the actual venue. Give yourself about 2 hrs to fully see the site, take your pictures, and acquire tickets. During peak periods (non Covid) times, it may be best to purchase on line tickets and schedule a time to avoid the cruise ship crowds. Keep in mind there is little shade so book early or late afternoon and bring water.