Page 191 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

main street, the teatro, cut into the hill, boasts a superb view over the sea, as far as
the distant Milazzo promontory. A part of the stage remains from the original third-
century BC Greek edifice, but most of the rest is Roman, dating from the Imperial Age
when the theatre was converted for use as a gladiatorial arena. Later, it was partly
dismantled to furnish stone for the city walls that once surrounded the settlement, of

which a good portion remains. You’ll have seen some of them on the road up,
including the ancient city’s main gate, built to the same “pincer” design as the one at
the Euryalus castle outside Siracusa.

The site’s museum contains some of the best finds from the excavations, including a
massive stone head of Augustus. There’s also a reconstruction of the theatre’s scene-
building, and some eighteenth-century watercolours showing how the basilica looked

before its overhaul.

ANCIENT THEATRE AT TINDARI

Each year from late May until mid-June, classical dramas are staged in the ancient
theatre at Tyndaris on alternate evenings, and between late July and late August,

there is also a season of theatre and concerts here. Performances normally start at
9pm, and tickets cost around €20. Ask at the ticket office by the entrance to the
archeological site or contact the box office directly ( 0941 240 912 or 800 031
922, teatrodeiduemari.net) for details. You can also pick up a programme from the

Tindari tourist office.

Riserva Naturale Laghetti di Marinello

Directly below Tindari and west of Oliveri lies one of Sicily’s most entrancing

beaches, forming part of the Riserva Naturale Laghetti di Marinello, where
saltwater lagoons, sand dunes and dramatic rocky cliffs provide a sanctuary for
migratory birds. The lagoons, fine sand and clean water are irresistible, and there are
bars and a campsite (see Marinello), but precious little shade on the beach.

ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION: TINDARI

By bus Frequent buses from Patti stop in the car park over 1km from the sanctuary,
from where minibuses shuttle every 10min or so up to the foot of the church (return
tickets €0.60). The car park charges €1/hr.

By train The closest train station to Tindari is Oliveri-Tindari, a good 3km (uphill)
walk.

Tourist information Tindari has a tourist office right next to the site on Via Teatro
Greco (Mon–Fri 9am–1pm; 0941 369 184, pattietindari.com).