Greek Theatre of Syracuse
Greek Theatre of Syracuse is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Syracuse audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~90 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type theater
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- Syracuse Syracuse guide
About Greek Theatre of Syracuse
One of the largest and best-preserved Greek theatres in the world, built in the 5th century BC on the hill of Temenites, where Aeschylus himself staged 'The Persians' shortly after its 472 BC Athenian premiere and which still hosts classical drama every summer.
The Greek Theatre of Syracuse is one of the most significant ancient theatres in the world. Carved directly into the living rock of the Temenites hill overlooking the Porto Grande harbour, it could accommodate approximately 15,000 spectators in 67 rows of seats. The theatre was built in the 5th century BC and substantially enlarged to its current monumental form in the 3rd century BC under the tyrant-king Hiero II. Aeschylus is known to have been in Syracuse and to have staged his play 'The Persians' here shortly after its 472 BC premiere in Athens, one of the earliest datable events in the history of Western theatre. The theatre was further modified under the Romans for gladiatorial combat. Today it is the site of the INDA (National Institute of Ancient Drama) festival, held every even-numbered year, where Greek and Latin plays are performed to live audiences in the original setting.
Did you know? Aeschylus, the 'Father of Tragedy' and author of the Oresteia, Prometheus Bound, and Seven Against Thebes, spent the last years of his life in Syracuse. He died in the Sicilian city of Gela in 456 BC, and according to ancient legend was killed when an eagle dropped a tortoise on his bald head, mistaking it for a rock.
How long should you spend at Greek Theatre of Syracuse?
Plan about ~90 min at Greek Theatre of Syracuse. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Greek Theatre of Syracuse worth visiting?
Greek Theatre of Syracuse is one of the 20 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Syracuse, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Syracuse
Hear the story of Greek Theatre of Syracuse
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