Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Ancient theatre of Taormina - Taormina, Italy

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The lighting design for the ancient theatre of Taormina was commissioned by the Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity in order to extend visiting hours at the site into the evening. Operating in collaboration with the Energy Service Company Metaenergia (ESCo), with whom an agreement was signed for the provision of electrical energy and services from 2013 to 2017, this Department opted to use iGuzzini technology for the new project. ESCo also immediately recognised iGuzzini's immense expertise in the lighting sector and its skill in using light to both protect and enhance cultural heritage.

This particular project has two general aims: on one hand it seeks to use light to enhance the site's splendid classical architecture, while on the other, it allows visitors to access the theatre in perfect safety even at night. The increase in revenue created, thanks to a rise in visits, together with lower management costs also mean that the archaeological site can enjoy simple, programmed maintenance while simultaneously bringing other benefits to the area.

The project designed by Engineer Roberto Sannasardo from the Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity involved updating the existing lighting system (installed in 1999 by the French studio Roland Jeol) with new technological solutions that were not available at the time. Non-invasive design solutions were specifically requested in the commission, so compact and hidden luminaires were chosen, and wherever possible, the existing installation system was used to avoid attaching more brackets to the ancient walls. The overall aim was to create a lighting system that would have a realistic effect and succeed in reproducing the subtle colours of dusk. This is why warm colour temperatures (2900-3000 K) were chosen that create a picturesque image of the theatre. At the same time, using products with high colour rendering (a CRI of 90) ensures that the site's natural materials are properly saturated with the required range of colour. Moreover, replacing all the existing lighting units with new DALI LED elements has resulted in an 80% reduction in consumption and consequently lower management costs. To ensure that the site can be visited in perfect safety at night, the exit routes have been lit with linear lighting created by Underscore InOut luminaires recessed in the handrails and diffused lighting produced by Woody series floodlights . The theatre entrance is also lit by Woody luminaires that anticipate the line of floodlights used in the arena. The designer chose the Woody series because of its high level of visual comfort and wide variety of installation systems and uses, which range from highlighting details to landscaping. From the site's viewing platform, a rhythmic procession of pole-mounted iTeka luminaires introduces the visitor to this remarkable example of classical architecture with directional lighting created by optics with OptiSmart reflectors that optimizes both visual comfort and the spacing of the luminaires. Woody downlights illuminate both the vaulted portico and the open portico, emphasizing the structure of the steps. From there, Underscore InOut Side Bend luminaires installed in the handrail guide the visitor towards the orchestra with an even and continuous line of light that produces no shadow areas whatsoever. In this way light becomes a kind of geometrical sign that indicates the way ahead. Underscore InOut luminaires are incredibly reliable and perfectly suited to the site's climate, so constant, long-lasting, high performance is guaranteed. Continuing up to the orchestra, the cavea (auditorium) and paraskenia (side wings) are lit with wide beam Maxiwoody luminaires, whereas Woody luminaires guide visitors along the parodoi (stage side entrances) towards the skene (backstage) where Miniwoody luminaires light up the proskenion (area in front of the skene) and Maxiwoody floodlights the skene.

This new lighting system, officially unveiled at a press conference and opening event on June 28th, illuminates the splendid architecture and natural beauty of this archaeological site perfectly while also strictly complying with all the relevant safety standards.

Places to see in ( Taormina - Italy ) Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Places to see in ( Taormina - Italy ) Ancient Theatre of Taormina

The Ancient theatre of Taormina is an ancient Greek theatre in Taormina, southern Italy, built in the third century BCE. The ancient theatre (the teatro greco, or Greek theatre) is built for the most part of brick, and is therefore probably of Roman date, though the plan and arrangement are in accordance with those of Greek, rather than Roman, theatres; whence it is supposed that the present structure was rebuilt upon the foundations of an older theatre of the Greek period. With a diameter of 120 metres (390 ft) (after an expansion in the 2nd century), this theatre is the second largest of its kind in Sicily (after that of Syracuse); it is frequently used for operatic and theatrical performances and for concerts.

The greater part of the original seats have disappeared, but the wall which surrounded the whole cavea is preserved, and the proscenium with the back wall of the scena and its appendages, of which only traces remain in most ancient theatres, are here preserved in singular integrity, and contribute much to the picturesque effect, as well as to the interest, of the ruin. From the fragments of architectural decorations still extant we learn that it was of the Corinthian order, and richly ornamented. Some portions of a temple are also visible, converted into the church of San Pancrazio, but the edifice is of small size.

The ancient theatre is without question the most important feature for sight-seers in Taormina, also because for its very fortunate natural setting, with splendid view toward the Calabrian coast, the Ionian coast of Sicily and the spectacular cone of Etna. The construction of the amphitheater starts probably by the Greeks around the third century. BC, at the time of Hiero II. To allow the construction was necessary to remove manually from the mountain over 100,000 cubic meters of rock. The plant was later renovated and expanded by the Romans, who inserted columns, statues and ingenious covers.

( Taormina - Italy ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting Taormina . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Taormina - Italy

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