Ancient Theater in Italy Now Open at Night

An ancient Greek theater in Italy added nighttime lighting in an attempt to stay open and allow travelers to explore the fascinating structure after sunset.

The Teatro Greco, an ancient theater in Taormina, Sicily, was built in the third century BC and is now used for theater performances and concerts. The Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity commissioned the theater’s new lighting project.

Dazzling new lights from company iGuzzini illuminate the incredibly well-maintained Classical architecture and let visitors explore the theater safely after dark. The lights are hidden wherever possible so as not to detract.

The horseshoe-shaped theater is the top attraction in Taormina, thanks in part to its incredible views of the sea, Mount Etna and the cliff-side, tiered city below. The theater hosts a range of operas, rock concerts, film festivals and more.

“The fact that architecture and light are inseparably bound is well known. This is why this project, in addition to satisfying lighting and energy requirements, also boasts the added value of accurately highlighting architectural and archaeological features, like the ruins surrounding the summa cavea (upper auditorium). These are perceived as significant parts of the site, and enrich the visitor’s experience both educationally and emotionally,” said architect Vera Greco, head, Naxos Archaeological Park.