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Greek Theater

Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
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Ranked #12 of 39 attractions in Syracuse
Type: Ancient Ruins, Caverns/ Caves
Traveller Description: The existence of a theatre in Syracuse is first mentioned in the late fifth century BC. At this time the theatre had not yet the canonical form of a... more »
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278 reviews from our community

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Sao Paulo, Brazil
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

In May and June they have a theater season where they represent ancient Greek plays (in Italian). I just attended the play 'Edipo Re' by Sophocle. I was blown away not only because of the production and acting, but because of the scenario.

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boulder city, nv
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

Classic Greek play Antigone by Sophocles performed in Italian in the ancient Greek Theater here. Could not understand Italian but was familiar with the play and could follow the plot. Fabulous acoustics but enhanced by modern technology. Amazing to see 85% of audience was high and college age people. Not for everyone but for me it was a magical moment.... More

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See 4 more reviews by MaxSchnell for Syracuse
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

Expensive unless you are EU resident, most of seating covered in wood which may be fine for performances but detracts from visit for just the antiquity value. Would consider for a performance since acoustics are said to be excellent but would recommend " visit only" to the Taormina Greek theater which is much more photogenic.

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Germany
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

I totally agree to my fellow contributors. I had to pay an entrance fee to have a look at a modern construction. They do the same in Taormina - but with much better style and not robbing the tourists.

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See 2 more reviews by indiGermany for Syracuse
Cork
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
30 helpful votes 30 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

No navigation in Italian or other language. The theatre was undergoing construction work for forthcoming events. So natural theatre was covered. We visited a much lesser known and 'valued' Greek theatre in Cartagena, Spain a few years ago. The Italians working here should go there for lessons.

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See 7 more reviews by Brendan W for Syracuse
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

There is something neat about how this greek theater still hosts plays. While all of the modern adjustments made to protect the theater while it is in use diminish the full view of the structure, the experience of continuing an ancient tradition remains intact. Also amazing are the catacombs immediately behind the top row of seats.

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See 2 more reviews by SteveBuck01 for Syracuse
Adelaide, Australia
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

We had planned to spend some time in the area, so we were surprised to see that a large portion of the Greek theatre was obscured by building work going up so that a modern show could be presented in this auditorium. I applaud the city for continuing to use a great site and with some consideration for the history,... More

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See 4 more reviews by Whyallagirl for Syracuse
Brentwood, Essex
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2013

Monumental with fantastic views to the sea from the top. Well worth a visit. Hang on to your tickets because they are needed for the Roman theatre.

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See 3 more reviews by jareynolds for Syracuse
London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013

Much larger than the theatre at Taormina and a stunning setting. Extra interest is added by the fountain that comes in behind it and the fact that there is a Roman theatre nearby. you can compare and contrast.

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See 10 more reviews by Catherine E for Syracuse
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Top Contributor
94 reviews 94 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
62 helpful votes 62 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2013

Syracuse has been a total disappointment. It comes across as just being a place to take money from tourists. We thought we would venture out to the Greek Theater. We paid the 10 euro per person entry fee, and Wow, was a complete rip off and total disappointment. They were preparing the ampitheatre for an upcoming concert. They were actually... More

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