For the 'Free' day many of the group decided to visit Taormina using the local bus. The heavy overnight rain gradually eased off and had almost stopped by the time we got on the bus. The rest of the day turned out to be sunny. The day was spent exploring various sights and visiting shops to purchase gifts for family back home. The Greek Theatre was particularly interesting and provided good views of the coast and Mt Etna. A cruise ship in the Bay of Naxos reminded us that Taormina is a venue for those who may not wish to walk too far, as well as being a handy venue for our 'Free Day'!

 

Pizza Novo Aprile with the church of San Giuseppe on the left

 

Bay of Naxos from the Piazza . . .

 

and from the Greek Theatre

 

Although it is called 'Greek' . . .

 

most of the ruins are actually Roman . . .

 

but there are several indications of the existence of a theatre in Taormina 200BC

 

Further proof of a Greek Theatre can be found in the foundations of the 'stage' . . .

 

where enormous blocks of stone are surmounted by Roman terracotta masonry.

 

The seats in the auditorium are arranged in nine sections which form the semi-circle of the cavea.

 

Each section was divided by a ramp of steps which reached to the top.

 

A gallery, once covered by a vaulted ceiling, runs around the back of the Theatre

 

Some of the Corinthian columns . . .

 

still remain standing . . .

 

with some of the carving still visible . . .

 

but extra support is needed

 

Just to prove 'I was here'

 

Views from the Greek Theatre, looking north . . .

 

inland to Castiglione . . .

 

over the buildings to Mt Etna . . .

 

which can be seen in close up . . .

 

then taking in more of Taormina . . .

 

and over the Public Gardens to the Bay of Naxos

 

One of the few flowers around here

 

An unusual structure in the Giardino Publicco