Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Ancient Theatre of Taormina
4.5
Ancient RuinsPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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The view of Mount Etna and the sea beyond is absolutely superb at Taormina's 10,000-seat ancient Greek amphitheater, which was erected in the third century BC and expanded by the Romans.
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1-2 hours
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  • Mandy A
    Basildon, United Kingdom250 contributions
    Lovely bit of history with a view
    Beautiful amphitheater in the old town of Taormina. Entrance is about 10euros but worth it as able to wander round or sit & admire the view of Mount Etna in the distance. Grand panoramic views of surrounding villages. I’d highly recommend a visit
    Visited October 2022
    Traveled solo
    Written December 3, 2022
  • laczkozsu
    Debrecen, Hungary1,618 contributions
    Greek Theatre with Etna
    Known as Greek Theatre, but it has a rich history. It was begun by the Greeks in 3rd century BC. In the 1st century AD the Romans adapted the theatre to suit their gladiatorial shows. Now it’s the most important site of Taormina, must see! The view is breathtaking: behind the stage and columns you can see the blue sea and the smoking Mount Etna. Don’t miss it!
    Visited February 2023
    Written February 21, 2023
  • Trail777206
    4 contributions
    Awe inspiring ancient architecture
    We visited here on a beautiful spring day. It is colossal and amazing monument to the past. Sitting in the amphitheatre and seeing the view of Taormina and then rumbling Etna in the distance really takes your breath away. Admission price is definitely reasonable.
    Visited April 2023
    Written April 7, 2023
  • Scottyc74
    Brisbane, Australia46 contributions
    Forget Syracuse... if there is one place to visit, this is it!
    This place was great. Even if you arent a history sort of person the sheer size of this place and the presence of etna in the background just makes it impressive. There is a short video playing (max 2mins) which enables you to see what it was once like in its full glory. The best bit about it, is you can walk through and around it, step over old fallen columns and interact with it. Its one of the few monuments you can walk around and really tell what you are looking at. I dont know how long it will be before an overzealous safety officer will cordon the site and force visitors to walk in designated areas so get there before he does. If you are looking at visiting an ancient theatre dont even bother with Syracuse its such a disappointment compared to this place. Entry was fairly priced and kids under 18 were free.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written April 20, 2023
  • ABEONAS
    Folkestone, United Kingdom4,502 contributions
    Pleasant stroll
    We enjoyed a stroll around the theatre in sunshine. We queued before nine o’clock to avoid the later crowds. It was worth it, it was a calm experience . We visited the cafe which gives a great view across to mainland Italy. The library museum is interesting. We found two toilets within the complex. There is are splendid views of Etna from many vantage points. At the end we visited the communal Gardens set by Florence Trevelyan. Ten euros entrance fee for adults . Free for under 18’s.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 27, 2023
  • vane_suiza
    48 contributions
    Italian hospitality at its worst
    Make sure you don’t take the entrance close to Taormina city center…way too many people. Take the other one, closer to the Belvedere (up the stairs from the beach). However…very disappointed by the service we got at the ticket office: the lady was talking to another person, she didn’t even say « hello » nor looked at us…when we said « due persone » and handed her a €50 note…she simply threw it back at us and snapped « card or cash…€10!! » then took for ever to give us our tickets, no thank you, no enjoy the visit…how rude ! Is this how you welcome tourists? Probably not the kind of image you want to give…too bad. From that entrance, you need to walk uphill to the theater. They’ve remodeled it and added plastic chairs for performances. Why not? But it loses its antique charm…
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 18, 2023
  • Bonnie Yael G
    4 contributions
    Taormina and the ancient theatre
    I was happy that I got there in the morning, before it got too crowded. It is a beautiful place. Beautiful views of Mount Etna from the theatre and from Taormina itself. Wonderful shops and restaurants to wander around in Taormina before or after your visit to the theatre.
    Visited April 2023
    Written May 25, 2023
  • Sotiris V
    Sydney, Australia799 contributions
    Worth visiting for the Theater and Views ...
    The theater is well situated on the hill with great views of the surrounding coastline. The theater struture is still mainly intact and holds recitals. Nice to visit eraly morning when it opens, when it is cool and less crowded. Highly recommend. You only need 30-60mins to see most of the area and views.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written June 6, 2023
  • Gwynn S
    Chandler, Arizona3 contributions
    Visit the ancient town of Taormina
    Taormina is a beautiful city full of ancient ruins. It was built in 3 BC. The ancient theatre is a short walk from the plaza but we took the long road up for exercise and views of the foliage. The air is clean, the restaurants are excellent and we plan to return for another vacation In Taormina.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 13, 2023
  • Ivor M M
    Greater London, United Kingdom67 contributions
    Fabulous views of the coastline and mount Etna
    Well worth going for the views alone. We were also lucky enough to get tickets for the David Garrett concert on 18th June. We sat in the cheap seats in the upper tiers and although furthest from the stage these offered the best views of mount Etna and the coastline. Listening to the concert as dusk descended in such a fabulous setting was truly magical. It was also sobering to reflect on how such a magnificent space has been used in the past to entertain audiences.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 24, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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ChrisBelinda
Bury, UK348 contributions
Sep 2020
I visited Taormina back in 2002 and I am sure there was either no admission fee or it was a couple of Euros (this was the first year since the Italian Lire), either way, it's now 10 Euros each to get in which I think is steeper than the steps in the amphitheatre. On our 5th visit to Taormina we thought we may as well go in as my other half had never been to Sicily before. It turned out that every first Sunday of the month it's actually free to enter so that was a pleasant surprise. Of course it hasn't changed in 18 years and the views each way up the coast to Letojanni and back down to Catania are stunning. Easy to find in the wonderful town of Taormina, follow Corso Umberto down to Shaker Café and turn right, up the hill, it's at the top, past various shops selling trinkets of various quality. Of course you have to wear a mask to walk in an open space then can take it off within seconds in exactly the same space but don't get me started on masks and Italian rules as nobody here took any notice of them (yet some still insisted on wearing them on the beach and even in the sea - bizarre). There's a few ancient bits of columns dotted about in various chambers, surfaces have been covered with wooden sheets since last time I was here, easier to navigate your way around and no insurance claims for falling over I suppose. At the top there is a bookshop and a small stall selling drinks and fruit etc.. it's a must-see if you visit Taormina, even once, to soak up a bit of Greek (yes, Greek) history. As I said, if you can time it to visit on the first Sunday in the month, it's free and not steep at all....
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David B
Leeds, UK43 contributions
Aug 2022
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.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Antonella N
Gold Coast, Australia216 contributions
Aug 2020
With wonderful panoramic location, you can see the Etna volcano and The Ionian Sea.
We also saw this place from the top of the mountain When we went to Chiesa Madonna della roca, it blow your mind to see how impressive and beautiful the Ancient Greek historical theatre is and how it was built 3rd B.C centuries ago.
Worth the short trek up the hill (and then up the stairs to the top to get the best view)
The tickets is 10 euros.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ellen A
Copenhagen Region, Denmark162 contributions
Dec 2019
Do not miss this impressive gem from times long gone by.
We were so fortunate to enjoy a free gospel concert and thereby experience the ancient theater in action and with the beautiful Etna backdrop to the stage.
Do not miss the brief animation (3-4 minutes) located in the stage entrance way. It gives a great rendition of how the found elements fitted into the theater back then and of the colourful splendour.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gurmail D
Greater London, UK42 contributions
Apr 2022
This has to be one of the highlights of our trip to Sicily. The views are absolutely stunning and there are so many places to take great photos.

The entry is 10 euros per adult, don't know if it's cheaper to prebook or not. Be careful of the opening times as we missed it one day and had to return, so glad we did.

You can wander around at your own pace or get a guided tour if you want more information. The highlight like I said is the views and if you want the best be prepared to tackle the steps to the top.

A highly, highly recommended place to visit.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

magdalenakasprzyszyn
Prudnik, Poland17 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We visited the Acient Theatre in February so there weren't crowds of people. My daughter, aged 16 and my son, aged 2 didn't have to pay for tickets. Only me and my husband paid 10 euro each for the tickets. You can pay by cash or credit card. In the ticket office staff speak English well so there is no problem understanding. The Theatre is amazing. You have beautiful Etna views. You can watch the history of the theatre on special screen. It's worth visiting if you enjoy history and fantastic views.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

VinnyP1
London, UK449 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This is an amazing ancient site and a must see. However in keeping with much of what we have seen it is being commercialised to it's detriment. We arrived at opening time in late May and it wasn't busy and I would highly recommend getting there early. Access is very good but there is very little in the way of maps or guides as to what you are seeing or what has been restored and where.
It has fabulous views of Etna and over Taormina.
It should be easy to take a seat and drift into the past. However instead it is a building site being converted into a stage and scaffolded seating. So a good proportion is covered by planking and the rooms are boarded into dressing rooms and toilets. Any visit is punctuated by the work and the workers arguing and swearing which does demonstrate the acoustics very well. The only respite was when one of the workers noticed they could see up a woman's dress so work stopped for a few minutes.
Doing this to a Unesco site would never be tolerated anywhere else and they should be ashamed. Otherwise it's a solid 5 stars.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ivor M M
Greater London, UK67 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Well worth going for the views alone. We were also lucky enough to get tickets for the David Garrett concert on 18th June. We sat in the cheap seats in the upper tiers and although furthest from the stage these offered the best views of mount Etna and the coastline. Listening to the concert as dusk descended in such a fabulous setting was truly magical. It was also sobering to reflect on how such a magnificent space has been used in the past to entertain audiences.
Written June 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ryszard L
Sydney, Australia330 contributions
Jun 2019
It's often said that the finest examples of Roman architecture are in North Africa and the finest examples of Classical Greek architecture are in southern Italy. The Greek Theatre of Taormina has to be one of the most spectacular. Perched up above the sparkling blue Ionian Sea the views afforded the traveller are some of the most stupendous I've ever seen. The coastline stretches south towards Catania and the whole town is viewed clearly. The centrepiece is Mount Etna, snow-capped and smoking, dominating the perspective to the west. The Theatre dates back to the 3rd century BC when it was begun by the Ionian Greeks who settled this part of Sicily in 734 BC, displacing the original inhabitants, the Siculi. The magnificence of this theatre reflects the importance of the city of Taormina in its heyday. The remains of the odeon and naumachia are clearly identifiable but one should take time to sit and try to imagine the scene as the Greeks (and later the Romans) sat here and watched plays, attended musical performances or watched mock sea-battles. This is not to be rushed.
Written May 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ianx17489
Inverurie, UK924 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
The amphitheatre was interesting to visit and it has stunning views. You could easily walk around it in under one hour, including reading the storyboards. The toilets were few and poor, for such a tourist attraction that charges €13:50 per adult to visit.
We were in no rush, so managed sit and soak up the historic architecture.
I can only imagine in peak season it's overwhelmed with visitors...... !!!
Written November 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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