Greek Theatre of Monte Jato, Greek theatre in the archaeological site of Iaitas, San Cipirello, Italy

The Greek Theatre of Monte Jato is an archaeological site on a mountain rising over 850 meters (2800 feet) with remains of an ancient city bounded by natural cliffs. The theatre is carved into the mountainside with stone seating rows, surrounded by temple ruins, the old agora with columns, and residential structures that reveal how the city was organized.

The settlement was likely founded by the Elimi, the region's original inhabitants, and later came under Greek influence, leading to temple and theatre construction around the 4th century BC. After Roman occupation and later Arab and Norman rule, the city was destroyed in 1246 during a revolt against Emperor Frederick II and then permanently abandoned.

The theatre was built at the end of the 4th century BC in a place already inhabited by the Elymians, and its model was probably the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens. In Roman times a house was built against the outer portico, and the Arabs later built a residential quarter over the cavea, so the seating was buried under streets and dwellings.

Comfortable shoes are essential because the climb is about a kilometer with uneven terrain throughout the site. Visit in early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours, and bring water and sun protection for a more enjoyable experience.

The theatre was probably modelled on the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens. In Roman times a house was built against its outer portico, and the Arabs later built a residential quarter over the seating area, so the cavea was buried under houses and streets.