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Though
it is only about 200 meters above sea
level, Taormina seems much higher. The
Greek amphitheatre was built in the third
century BC, and expanded by the Romans,
who enlarged the stage and added a partial
roof (now destroyed). Reserved seating
existed even in Greek times; a seat bears
the inscription of the name of Philistide,
wife of Hieron II of Syracuse. The view of
Mount Etna and the sea beyond the theatre
is breathtaking. The theatre is the site
of dramatic performances during Summer;
the seasons alternate with those of
Segesta, the site of Sicily's other large
Greek amphitheatre.
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