The ancient Greek theater in Taormina, is a beautiful example of Greek architecture. It’s setting, acoustics, preservation and care of construction is an ultimate reminder of ancient splendor. The monument dates back to the 2nd century BC and these ruins are still used for performances. Fantastic views overlook the bay of Naxos out to the Calabrian coasts, the bellowing volcano of mount Etna, and the majestic Castle Mola. These views are spectacular, especially in the morning as the sun comes up, spilling its light progressively upon the distance.

The amphitheater has a diameter of 376 feet, and is carved into the native rocky hillside. A vaulted gallery or marble colonnade, surrounds the entire building. The monument had been stripped of much of the marble stone work for other projects. It is believed that the Greeks, under Dionysus built the theater, and inscriptions still remain declaring reserved seating for various persons. The Romans later reconstructed it creating confusion as to its origin. But the stone blocks which are authentically Greek in origin and the fact that historically every Greek city had their own theatre where they performed famous tragedies proves that the Greek actually built it.

The Romans later took about 10 years to reconstruct and widen the theater. It is now the second largest theater in Sicily's after Syracuse. It is 50 meters wide, 120 meters long and 20 meters high. Which is about 100,000 cubic meters of stone. The theatre consists of three main components, the scene, the orchestra and the cavea. The scene is opposite the cavea and is plainly evident of where the actors used to perform.

The stage wall is large: 30 meters by 40 meters with two side elements enclosing the scene and cavea, preventing passage to the audience.The cavea is the series of steps, from the bottom to the the top, where the spectators were seated. The orchestra of the theatre was the flat clearing in the center for the musicians, but the choruses and dancers also performed there.

The mythological history and ambient beauty of the structure leaves visitors in a trance. An international festival "Taormina Art" is held during the summer and is the best time to visit. The ancient theatre hosts a series of other events including cinemamatic, theatrical, ballet and classical music performances.