Originally built by the Greeks for plays in the third century BC and later enlarged by the Romans for gladiatorial contests, Taormina's teatro greco is a bit special. Dramatically located high above Sicily's mountainous eastern coast and in the shadow of Mount Etna, the brick shell of this evocative amphitheatre is mostly intact. Some of the classical stone pillars are still standing and you can wander around the stone innards where the gladiators must have prepared for battle. The spectacular views from the upper echelons are well worth the eight euro admission fee (children are free). If you go in the cool of the evening after a blistering August day, Mount Etna may be shrouded in haze. But there may be fewer visitors and you might catch musicians rehearsing for a concert. Taormina's teatro greco must be one of Sicily's most atmospheric and picturesque ruins. 9/10
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The view of Sicily's mountainous eastern coast
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