The most wonderful discovery on the streets of Catania was for me The Roman Theatre and Odeon.
I recall walking on Via Vittorio Emanuele II on previous trips here and never even dreamed this place was hiding behind the front street buildings. This time, following a tourist’s guide/brochure I could see on the map the place was here. At first I found the back streets and could see part of the structure. Looking for the entrance I was puzzled not to see it at first and I almost gave up, thinking what a pity that only people living in those buildings have a view of it while tourist can not enjoy it. But I was wrong. No such discovery would be kept hidden. The problem is just that the entrance is not obvious and the sign to direct you there is small. Yet, what an amazing site and history!
The most interesting fact was to me
that this big old site was hiding under buildings people lived in for a while.
“Built in the 1st century A.D. on the existing Greek theatre, it obtained its final structure in the 2nd century A.D. . . . . Its decline occurred between the 6th and the 7th century A.D. and even since the middle ages it was covered with houses that prevented the view for centuries. In the pictures of the city, taken before and after the earthquake that in 1693 destroyed Catania, and in the photos of the first half of the last century, it is recognizable for the peculiar arc distribution of the houses placed upon it.” The first excavations were done between 1770 and 1780 but only in the middle of the 20th century the expropriation and demolition of the buildings constructed on it begone.
The Theatre’s original capacity was 7,000 people and it was the scene for drama performances. Water battles representations were possible as well, by flooding the orchestra area, during the last imperial period.
The nearby Odeon could seat about 1,500 people and it was used for musical and poetry performances and contests as well as for the rehearsals for performances that would take place in the theatre. Built of brick and lava stone the Odeon has an impressive and colorful structure as well. It also went through a similar destiny as the neighboring theatre during it’s centuries of life.
The text in the quotes above is form the information on the wall at the entrance of the site and in a picture added here as well. By clicking the pictures you can enlarge them at will. Enjoy!
