TEATRO MASSIMO

It is one of the largest and most famous Italian lyric theatres, built in 1875 by the Palermo architect Giovan Battista Filippo Basile. The sumptuous hall is all decked out in red velvet and gold. Stuccoes decorate the ceilings and capitals of the columns of its monumental facade, its dome of 23 metres in diameter is impressive. It can hold 1,400 people and 700 actors on stage. Legend has it that it was built on the ruins of an old nunnery church, some of whose tombs are said to have been desecrated. Since then, the ghost of one of these nuns would have fun tripping on the last steps of the theatre to make its visitors stumble ... Watch your step! It has served as the set for several films, including The Godfather and the famous Italian burlesque film Johnny Stecchino with Roberto Benigni. During the visit, you will discover this splendid beehive-shaped interior which was designed by Giovan Battista Basile in 1875 and completed by his son Ernesto in 1887. The Massimo Theatre was the first theatre built in Europe at that time. During the walk you will have the opportunity to discover the royal box, the lounge reserved for music concerts and many other surprises! Some members of the staff speak French. Cafeteria, library and bookshop. Of course you can also buy tickets for a show. In addition to the guided tour, it is possible to visit the terrace tower to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Palermo.