Teatro Massimo, Italy's grandest opera house in Palermo, dazzles with its neoclassical architecture and stunning interiors, promising a captivating visit.
"Inaugurated in 1897, this grand classical edifice has had its ups and downs, much like the city itself. It closed in 1974 for a renovation and didn’t reopen until 1997, when the city finally began to free itself from the grip of the mafia. Palermo’s reawakening culminated in it being named Italy’s 2018 Capital of Culture. Plan an unforgettable evening by purchasing tickets to see a performance at the Teatro Massimo, which appeared in the final scene of "The Godfather III." The opera and ballet season kicks off in late November and performances run through June before taking a summer break. Alternatively, you could take a guided tour and get a behind-the-scenes peek backstage." - Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz is a freelance writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributi
"Teatro Massimo in Palermo is the third largest opera house in Europe after Paris's and Vienna's. It is said that opera flourished in Palermo because of the mafia, with mafia dons enjoying evenings in private boxes."
"A vibrant city in Sicily, Palermo is known for its history, architecture, and unique blend of cultures, making it a fascinating place to explore."
"You might recognize Palermo's opera house, the Massimo Theater, from its role in The Godfather: Part III —the movie's final scenes were filmed here. Though it echoes classical style, the building is young compared to Palermo's other architectural attractions, built just over a century ago, in the late 1800s. It's the largest opera house in Italy and the third largest in all of Europe. During the day, visitors can take guided tours (which are offered in English)."
"You might recognize Palermo's opera house, the Massimo Theater, from its role in The Godfather: Part III —the movie's final scenes were filmed here. Though it echoes classical style, the building is young compared to Palermo's other architectural attractions, built just over a century ago, in the late 1800s. It's the largest opera house in Italy and the third largest in all of Europe. During the day, visitors can take guided tours (which are offered in English)."
