Greek Theatre of Syracuse

The Greek Theatre of Syracuse is among the largest and best-preserved ancient Greek theatres in existence, cut directly into the rock of the Temenites Hill with seats for approximately 15,000 spectators. From the upper tiers, the view across the plain to the sea is the same one the audience of Aeschylus would have had in the 5th century BC — an almost vertiginous connection to the classical world.

The theatre sits at the heart of the Neapolis Archaeological Park alongside the Roman amphitheatre and the altar of Hiero II. The park ticket covers all these sites and is well worth the price. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the worst of the summer heat and the tour group congestion that builds through midday.

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The theatre was built in the 5th century BC and substantially enlarged in the 3rd century BC under Hiero II. Aeschylus himself is said to have attended the premieres of his plays here — including the first performance of The Persians in 472 BC, just eight years after the battle it commemorates. The INDA (National Institute of Ancient Drama) still stages Greek tragedy in the theatre every May and June, making it one of the few ancient theatres still used for its original purpose.

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