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Architecture · Palermo, Sicília
Teatro Massimo
The Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, opened in 1897, is the largest opera house in Italy. Guided tours visit the auditorium, the boxes and the Pompeian hall.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Teatro Massimo
The Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele was designed by Giovan Battista Filippo Basile and completed by his son, Ernesto Basile, and opened in 1897. By the size of its stage and auditorium, it is the largest opera house in Italy and one of the largest in Europe.
The neoclassical façade, with steps and columns, faces Piazza Verdi at the end of Via Maqueda. The steps became famous in cinema as the setting for the final scene of O Poderoso Chefão III.
Guided tours, in Italian and English, go through the horseshoe-shaped auditorium with five tiers of boxes, the royal box and the Pompeian hall, known for its curious acoustics. There is an opera, ballet and concert season: attending a performance is another way to get to know the theatre.
Around it, Via Maqueda and Via Ruggero Settimo lead to the Teatro Politeama and the city’s modern part, with shops and cafés.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 to 40 minutes for the guided tour.
Best time
Guided tours take place throughout the day when there are no rehearsals or performances; check the times. At night the illuminated façade makes a nice photo backdrop.
How to get there
It is on Piazza Verdi, about a 10-minute walk from the Quattro Canti via Via Maqueda. It is also close to the Capo market.
Tip
Buy the guided tour or performance ticket on the official website. On event days the tour may be canceled.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Teatro Massimo
Can you visit Teatro Massimo inside?
Yes, with a guided tour of about half an hour, in Italian and English. Check the times, because rehearsals and performances change the schedule.
Which film was shot in Teatro Massimo?
The final scene of The Godfather Part III, by Francis Ford Coppola, was filmed on the staircase and inside the theater.
Is it worth seeing a performance?
Yes, for those who enjoy opera or ballet. The schedule runs throughout the year; check dates on the official website before traveling.