Teatro Antico di Taormina

Sicily’s second-largest ancient theater offers a commanding view of the Ionian Sea with Mt. Etna smoldering in the background. Though originally carved from the mountainside during the Hellenistic period, Romans contributed new construction around 300 years later. The cavea is a horseshoe of steps carved from stone, and despite damage to the scene, or backdrop, the theater remains in regular use, hosting concerts and Taormina's annual film festival.