Greek Theatre of Tindari, Ancient Greek theatre in Tindari, Italy
The Greek Theatre of Tindari is an open-air ancient theatre built into a hillside above the Tyrrhenian Sea in Sicily. The stone seating curves in a wide semicircle around a central performance area, with the sea visible in the background.
The theatre was founded in the 4th century BCE by the Greek settlers of the city of Tyndaris. The Romans later reshaped it, raising walls around the orchestra to allow it to be flooded or used for animal fights.
The theatre at Tindari is still used for live performances in summer, when ancient tragedies and comedies are staged there. Sitting on the same stone steps that audiences used over two thousand years ago gives the evenings a rare quality.
The path up to the site involves a steady climb, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. A small museum at the entrance displays finds from the surrounding excavations and helps make sense of what you see in the theatre.
The Roman modifications to the theatre are still visible today and physically distinct from the original Greek construction, making it possible to read two different building phases in a single structure. This layering of two architectural styles in one place is something few visitors notice at first glance.
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