Theatres in Palermo

Palermo has two big 19th-century theatres, a short walk apart. The Teatro Massimo, at the top of Via Maqueda, is Italy's largest opera house, and guided tours take you into the auditorium and the royal box during the day. The Politeama, with its bronze chariot over the entrance arch, marks where modern Palermo and Via Libertà begin. The smaller Real Teatro Bellini faces the square of the Martorana church. For something you will only find here, see the Opera dei Pupi, Sicilian puppet theatre on UNESCO's heritage list; the Teatro dei Pupi famiglia Argento is near the Cathedral. In summer, performances move outdoors to the Teatro di Verdura.

A Massimo tour slots neatly into a walk around the centre; add it with the planner.