The Greco-Roman Theatre is the first monumental wonder worth visiting in Taormina. It is in very sound conservation status – it was built by the Greeks and enlarged in the Roman period, and even today it comes alive with classical shows which enrich the cultural life of the city during the summer season. Besides, the acoustics in this theatre are fantastic, thus allowing spectators in the back rows to appreciate the concert music of big artists who come to perform at the theatre every year. A few minutes away from the Theatre you will find Piazza IX Aprile, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view, spanning from Giardini Naxos bay, to Mt. Etna. On clear days, you can even spot the Calabrian coastline. Here you will also find the medieval clock tower. Piazza IX Aprile is surrounded by Taormina’s most famous bars, where Sicilian folk music groups perform in the evenings. In the square, painters, caricaturists and artists of all types take on their favourite activities. But the marvels of Taormina are not limited to its Theatre; still close to Corso Umberto I, you must not miss out on Corvaja Palace. This is a splendid example of fifteenth and sixteenth century art; Corvaja Palace today plays host to the Sicilian Museum of Art and Popular Traditions and displays several important exhibitions. Also worth visiting are: St. Nicholas Cathedral, with its medieval facade and baroque door; the Roman Odeon built in Imperial Roman times and similar in structure to the Greek Theatre; the "Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano", a XIV century building in Gothic-Sicilian style with Arab elements and the numerous city gates, including Porta di Mezzo and Porta Catania, the oldest two in the city. However for those of you who are more interested in nature, an excursion to the Gole dell’Alcantara is a must. This is a beautiful location in Taormina’s hinterland (around 20km) which attracts hundreds of visitors. Thousands of years ago lava flow blocked Alcantara River and forced the water to create a passage. These spectacular prismatic structures were created due to the water which cooled off the lava more quickly. The Gole dell’Alcantara are ideal to relax whilst enjoying a picnic in the shade in the hot months. You may swim in the water which is always very cold or else join an excursion along the river bed which is guided by the management of the Alcantara River Park.