Taormina Ancient Theatre Tickets with Audio Guide

This experience gives you access to an audio guide. Accessible over your phone and available in 5 languages, these audio guides offer tidbits about the theatre and allow you to explore the space at your own pace.

Taormina's timeless theater

Annually, crowds flock to Taormina's Ancient Theater, drawn by its rich history and the beauty of this ancient relic. Carved into Sicilian hills, this well-preserved testament to Ancient Greece and Rome, initially constructed by Philistides in the 3rd century BC, underwent extensive Roman renovations. It was transformed over the centuries, serving as a venue for classical plays and later as an amphitheater for gladiatorial combat.

See Roman-Greek relics up close

The ancient Amphitheater offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Naxos to the south and the Strait of Messina with the Calabrian coast to the north. The structure itself comprises 3 sections: the stage, the orchestra, and the cavea. Two spacious side rooms flank the stage and stalls. Back then, it accommodated around 10,000 spectators (today, the capacity is 4,500). This venue continues to host opera and theater performances, standing strong over 2,000 years after its inception.

You can discover fragments of 3rd century BC painted plaster, Gymnasium remnants, and Greek inscriptions like the Strategists' tables in the Theatre. Roman relics include a calendar, consuls' lists by the baths, and a 2nd-century AD sarcophagus, a stone coffin, adorned with inscriptions, used to hold and protect the remains of the deceased.

Taormina Ancient Theatre Tickets with Audio Guide

Discover the Teatro Antico di Taormina, one of Sicily's most iconic landmarks, on this sightseeing tour that includes audio guides in five languages: English, Italian, German, French, and Spanish. This well-preserved Greek theater, built around 200 BCE, offers stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea from its prime location overlooking Taormina's historic center. The tour also covers the Antiquarium, a small museum adjacent to the theater that houses significant artifacts such as the Caius Claudius Marcellus statue and an oval marble sarcophagus dating back over 20 centuries. Visitors can expect to spend approximately two hours exploring this ancient site, where they will learn about its transformation from staging musical performances during Roman times to hosting gladiator battles in later periods. With access to the theater's seating capacity of up to 5,000 spectators and a stage measuring around 67 meters wide, guests can appreciate the architectural details that have made this venue a favorite spot for cultural events like Taormina Arte, the Taormina Film Fest, and the David di Donatello award ceremony. The tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and those interested in ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

Explore Teatro Antico di Taormina

Your tour stops at the Teatro Antico di Taormina where you can explore one of Sicily's most impressive landmarks. Built around 200 BCE, this theater is renowned for its exceptional preservation and panoramic views stretching over 2,300 years. The stage area spans approximately 67 meters wide, and the seating capacity accommodates up to 5,000 spectators. Key features include the intricate stone carvings and the scenic backdrop of Mount Etna visible from every seat. Historical highlights reveal that the theater was used for musical performances during Roman times before transitioning into a venue for gladiator battles in medieval periods. Visitors typically spend around two hours here, engaging with audio guides available in five languages to enhance their understanding of this architectural marvel. What sets Taormina's ancient theater apart is its unique blend of history and natural beauty, making it a standout attraction compared to other Roman theaters around the Mediterranean.

Discover Antiquarium

At the Antiquarium adjacent to the Teatro Antico di Taormina, guests can delve into the rich archaeological heritage of Sicily. This small museum houses significant artifacts like the Caius Claudius Marcellus statue and an oval marble sarcophagus dating back over 20 centuries. The collection spans various periods from ancient Greek times through Roman domination to medieval eras, offering a comprehensive view of Taormina's historical evolution. Visitors typically spend about half an hour here, appreciating the detailed exhibits that provide insights into daily life, cultural practices, and social structures of past civilizations. This museum serves as an essential complement to the theater tour by enriching visitors' understanding of the broader context in which this ancient structure was built.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Teatro Antico di Taormina with audio guides
• Access Antiquarium boasting historical artifacts and statues
• Enjoy panoramic views over Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea
• Spend 2 hours touring ancient theater and museum exhibits
• Learn about gladiator battles and musical performances history
• Discover Caius Claudius Marcellus statue and marble sarcophagus
• Experience Taormina's cultural events like Taormina Arte festival
• Enjoy detailed audio guides in five languages: English, Italian, German, French, Spanish

Perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and architecture lovers, this guided tour provides an immersive experience through key landmarks. The two-hour format allows you to explore the Teatro Antico di Taormina, visit the Antiquarium, and appreciate the scenic beauty of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, giving you a comprehensive understanding of ancient Sicilian culture while enjoying historical and architectural wonders.