78 A GIRA THROUGH SICILY. 
however, is that of the theatre. It is regarded by the best 
j udges as one of the finest specimens of architecture for scenic 
effect in existence. From the position of the seats the specta¬ 
tors enjoyed a most imposing scene; such in fact that no 
description or painting can give a just idea of it. 
It is a remarkable peculiarity in all the ancient theatres of 
Sicily that they conform entirely in their construction to the 
local circumstances by which they are surrounded, as at 
Segesta, Syracuse, Taormina and other places. This was 
done with a view to the sound of the voice, as well as to the 
scenic effect. The theatre of Taormina it is said was capa¬ 
ble of accommodating twenty-five thousand persons. It was 
subjected to some changes after its primitive construction, 
under the Greeks whose work it was, as also under the Ho¬ 
mans who repaired and embellished it. The entire edifice 
was surrounded by galleries of brick, and niches are still seeu 
