The Greek theatre of Syracuse is among the most famous of the ancient world, was built by the architect Damocopo also known as Mirylla, and dates between 238 and 215 B.C. This monument was and still is the center of life of the city both from a political and from a cultural perspective.
The theatre is carved into the rock of the hill called “Temenite” and consists of three parts: koilon (or cavea-auditorium), orchestra and stage.
The preserved part is carved into the hillside, while the built part of the cavea as well as the monumental remains of the Roman scene were removed and reused by the Spanish to build the fortifications of Ortygia between 1520 and 1531.
The cavea is very large, with 67 rows, divided into nine parts with eight staircases, and horizontally, about in the middle, from a corridor whose wall is engraved with greek inscriptions. At the top of the cavea is located a terrace overlooked by a large artificial cave (the Ninfeo) which has a vaulted ceiling and, inside, a rectangular tank in which flows water from river Anapo, coming from the Iblei mountains thorugh an aqueduct built in Greek times.
In this cave you can recognize the Mouseion, which used to be the headquarters of the guild of the artists.
The western side of the terrace leads to the upper access to the theater. Along its walls have been excavated Byzantine tombs from which derives the name of “Via dei Sepolcri”, "Road of the Tombs."
In the theatre, every year in the months of May and June, are represented the tragedies and comedies of the greatest Greek authors (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes). These amazingly charming shows (the greek tragedies represented in their proper theatre, while a breathtaking sunset can be enjoyed from the seats) provide an unforgettable experience to the audience, attracting visitors from every part of the world.
For more information and tickets please visit www.indafondazione.org
Address: Via del Teatro Greco
Timetables Archaological Park:
Every day from h.9.00 to two hours before the sunset (winter h.15.00, summer h.18.00). In may and June the theatre can be visited until 16.00
Price: Only Archaological Park
Ticket € 10,00
UE citizens* Under 25 € 5,00
UE students**, under 18 e over 60 y.o free entrance
Groups and teachers free entrance
Combined Ticket Archaological Park + Archaological Museum Paolo Orsi
€ 13,50 (reduced € 7)
*only UE citizens and citizens of some other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Canada, Chile, Argentina and few others. Passport needed ** only students from UE and from above listed non EU countries of archaeology literature, philosophy, arts, architecture. Student's card and passport needed.