Located inside the luxuriant Neapolis archaeological Park in Syracuse, Sicily, the Greek theatre is one of the best-preserved Greek theatres of the whole Classical period. Built around the V century B.C. the Greek theatre has been a significant centre for culture, politics and arts in Syracuse. Nowadays the Greek Theatre is still used for opera, concerts and the Cycle of Classical Plays, which was established in 1914 and gathers thousands of people every year.
Discover Greek History in Syracuse visiting the theatre
Caved in the white stone of Syracuse, the Greek theatre appears to the visitor as a charming picture of the old Greek Syracuse. This spot is most enjoyable during summer sunsets, as it will offer you a particular atmosphere and panorama while enjoying the Sicilian warm nights. As you can see in the picture, the theatre is made of stone terraces that end in a wide stage where actors, choirs and dancers used to play Greek tragedy during the antique Greek period. The Greek theatre of Syracuse is also one of the largest in the world (138,60m of diametre).
Nowadays people still sit in these stone terraces to enjoy music concerts or the Cycle of Classical Plays. If you would also like to enjoy these performances in this beautiful landscape don’t forget to bring a pillow!
Enjoy a walk across a ledge above the Greek Theatre
Above the Greek Theatre, there is an archaeological area with a wide recess caved in the stone. Placed in the center of this wide recess there is an antique fountain which provides shadow to visitors shadow.
According to archaeologists, this was the Mouseion, a spot consecrated to the Muses, goddesses of the inspiration of literature, science, and art during the Greek era. Indeed, at this spot were found statues representing the Muses which are now exposed at the Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi in Syracuse.
Along with this archaeological area you can also find antique votive recesses and tiny catacombs from the Byzantine era.
Enjoy a funny echo experience at the The Ear of Dionysius
Near the main entrance of the Greek Theatre, you can easily reach the Latomia del Paradiso, an antique stone quarry 25 to 40 meters deep, where nature explodes in all its opulence and beauty. Here you can experience a nice walk inside the Ear of Dionysius.
The Ear of Dionysius is an artificial cave 23 meter high and 65 meter deep where you can have fun with the echo that it creates. The reason that the cave is named like this is because of its his shape, which resembles a human ear.
It is the famous Italian painter Caravaggio who gave this name to the cave during his travel in Syracuse in 1606. Since that time a legend states that Dionysius I, a tyrant who ruled Syracuse around the IV century B.C., ordered to raise this cave as a prison where he could hear every prisoner speaking.
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Visit the Grotta dei Cordari and enjoy a natural pathway nearby.
At the end of this pathway covered by a blanket of trees you will get at the Grotta dei Cordari (Rope-makers’ Cave). Close to the The Ear of Dionysius, this cave was the place where the rope-makers used to work in perfect humidity conditions to do their job. The cave is a huge dig supported by pillars. It is the right spot if you want to learn more about rope-making traditions.
Visit Syracuse and feel its over 2-thousand-year history
Visiting the Greek Theatre of Syracuse is the best way to feel Syracuse’s history. The best time to visit the Greek Theatre in Syracuse is May and June when you can enjoy the Cycle of Classical Plays.
History
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