Teatro Massimo
Teatro Massimo
4.5
About
One of the biggest opera houses in Europe, Teatro Massimo is renowned for its excellent acoustiscs and holds over 1,300 seats.The venue hosts more than 130 music, opera and dance events every year.The exteriors are in neo-classical style with influences from Greek Sicilian temples, while the interiors are art-nouveau.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Teatro Massimo
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,637 within 3 miles
Attractions
531 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- travelasacouple185 contributionsWorth itWent with my husband, his reason was because of the Godfather film, mine was because it looked amazing in the photos I saw on here. Cost €10 each and for half an hour it was fair. Guide spoke very good English, she split us up between Italian and English and did make us laugh as at one point she had done her Italian speech and was on to us for the English part. One Italian man started talking so she told him to shush. Practise was going on so we got to hear them for a short while. And she gave us a lot of information. The Nutcracker was on at Christmas and would loved to have seen it here. Well worth a visitVisited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 24, 2023
- travelbob1New Windsor, New York1,136 contributionsAn Exterior VisitWe opted to pass on the inside tour after some others told us the cost was not worth the short tour given in two languages. Instead we walked the exterior and still found this to be well worth the time to visit. In addition to the structure the plaza and neighborhood and the two kiosks at each end of the plaza are to be noted.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 2, 2023
- 77audreycConcord, Massachusetts17 contributionsTour worth the effort.This tour is worth it to have the opportunity to see inside the theater. It's beautiful. The tour was brief, but worth the effort. Our tour guide wasn't inspired, but gave us the information needed to understand the history of the theater. While visiting the royal box and the floor of the theater we were able to see rehearsals of an upcoming production! It would be such a shame to miss the beauty of the interior of such a building.Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 11, 2023
- CynicorenBeersheba, Israel2,582 contributionsImpressive but not well maintainedWe visited with a tour guide. The building is very impressive, the tour is pretty short (about 30 minutes), the tour guide was very nice. There are small art exhibitions in a main room (with the ceiling that reminds Florence). On the other hand, the building is not maintained well enough, as spots of water are seen in the halls - probably because of the humidity, and, well, bad maintenance.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 23, 2023
- Patricia DCrandon, Wisconsin29 contributionsThank you Luciana for a fabulous tour of Teatro Massimo!Luciana did an excellent job touring our group around the Teatro Massimo. She spoke fluently in Italian, French and English. Her knowledge of the history of the Teatro is impressive. It made the opera we attended that night even more enjoyable.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 24, 2023
- Guglielmo L38 contributionsMust See Theater In Palermo!The Teatro Massimo is very impressive! It's similar to La Scala in Milan, which I have also visited. The tour guide was a very friendly young lady. I can't remember her name, but she gave the tour in both English and Italian and I think she did a great job! She even told us that there is a legend of the ghost of a nun who haunts the building and tries to trip visitors on the steps, but fortunately that didn't happen to me or anyone else who was on the tour with me! Definitely a must see when you go to Palermo!Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 29, 2023
- Kenya C5 contributionsStunning :)I participated in a tour of the theater. Teatro Massimo is very beautiful and a must see if visiting Palermo. During our tour, we were able to watch an orchestra practice... a moment I will always remember. I hope to return in the future for a live show :)Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten December 27, 2023
- TomasoVernon_B_C_Vernon, Canada170 contributionsFun Tour!We had such a fun tour with our Guide who spoke English very well and then switched to French for a young French couple. So many fun facts about the Opera House that were both interesting and fun to know. Highly recommend !Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,623 reviews
Excellent
2,199
Very good
1,022
Average
286
Poor
58
Terrible
58
traveltheglobe
Singapore, Singapore723 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Fascinating to know that while Teatro Massimo is not as well known, it is the largest theatre in Italy. We didn’t manage to catch a show here as the year-end performances were hugely popular. But we managed to watch the performances broadcast live on a big screen right outside the theatre. We later learned that this practice stems from their belief that theatre is for everyone, not just the elites and they’ve a mission to bring it to the masses, by keeping fees low and by live streaming their performances. Bravo!
Written May 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony36
Crowborough, UK1,027 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We enjoyed the services of a very helpful guide who spoke perfect English. Some you win and this was a fine example of that saying. We were lucky to be there on a day that a performance was to take place in the evening. We thought that this might cramp the occasion but no, the exact opposite. We were allowed to sit for quite a while in the stalls and listen to the orchestra performing on the stage. Then we were taken up to sit in the "Royal Box" and watch some more. All in all, a delightful experience. Magnificent historic building.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ellavie
athens62 contributions
Dec 2021
The building itself is stunning; definitely worth a visit. We did a bilingual guided tour. You get to visit some amazing parts of the theatre up close - the royal box and echo room are highlights. The information we were given was interesting but was really the bare minimum and delivered by a very unenthusiastic guide. We would have loved to hear more anecdotes and interesting details to bring the place and our visit to life. At 25 minutes, it was a little short too - we could happily have spent an hour hearing more.
Written January 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelbob1
New Windsor, NY1,136 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We opted to pass on the inside tour after some others told us the cost was not worth the short tour given in two languages. Instead we walked the exterior and still found this to be well worth the time to visit. In addition to the structure the plaza and neighborhood and the two kiosks at each end of the plaza are to be noted.
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Israel R
Ra'anana, Israel16,126 contributions
Aug 2019
The construction of the Masimo Theater's impressive building was completed in 1897. The Opera House was dedicated to King Vittorio Emanuel II. This huge building is 7700 square meters and is considered the largest Concert / Opera hall in Italy and one of the three largest halls in Europe. It is highly recommended to join a guided tour of the place and be impressed by the stunning design and great richness of the complex. Concert lovers are advised to check the schedule and try to get tickets for a concert. The couple of our friends (who traveled with us) bought tickets the day before the concert and were thrilled by the quality of the hall's acoustics. "Highly recommended".
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clara
1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Couples
The theater is a gem. However the tour is an absolute scam. The tour was done in 20 minutes in 2 languages by a guide who spoke as fast as she could to seemingly kick us out as fast as possible. We didn't even get to see one of the small box.
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rod B
Barwon Heads, Australia210 contributions
Jan 2020
A beautiful theatre in Palermo - 3rd largest Opera house in Italy. It’s being gradually renovated but is still in remarkable condition. There is a 30 min tour worth doing - 4 Euro pp. The guide was knowledgable and informative.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chel_brfc
Crewe, UK240 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
The tour is very short (30mins long) and does feel quite rushed, with other tour groups being ushered everywhere around you, but impressive. We were lucky enough to see some rehearsals happening as we were shown the theatre, perhaps if we hadn’t seen this the experience would have been less impressive. The theatre however is beautiful and experiencing the acoustics was an added bonus. It would have been improved if we could have had had more time to explore.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cobbers2
Melbourne, Australia73 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
The tour guide spoke Italian and English. She gave a very detailed history of this magnificent building and gave opportunities to ask questions.
The tour starts off downstairs going through the tender process. The actual model of the building is still in the theatre. Then you go into the theatre itself, go up to the royal box and private room. Also visit the smoking room and explanation of the design of the room with special acoustics.
It is the largest theatre in Italy and third largest in Europe.
Well worth the €10 fee.
The tour starts off downstairs going through the tender process. The actual model of the building is still in the theatre. Then you go into the theatre itself, go up to the royal box and private room. Also visit the smoking room and explanation of the design of the room with special acoustics.
It is the largest theatre in Italy and third largest in Europe.
Well worth the €10 fee.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian E
Santa Rosa, CA436 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
The opera house itself is spectacular. And, I’ve not attended an opera there, yet. I write, instead, about the paid tour. One of the experiences my wife and I love is taking tours of opera houses around the world (Sydney, Vienna, The Met in NYC, etc.). And always the tours have been in-depth with behind-the-scenes access to what goes into producing these sumptuous, complex performances. “Expecting” something similar (which is probably my mistake), the tour was brief — 20 minutes maybe — with visits to the main hall, the smoking area, and one of the private suits. I’m not saying don’t do the tour, as it is one of the top opera houses in Europe, but have realistic expectations about what is being offered.
Written March 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do they have disable facility like lift to avoid steps up front, or disable toilet?
trelawney5
Burscough, UK38 contributions
I didn’t see one but they did have disabled toilets on the ground floor.
𝔸𝚕𝚒_08
Italy88 contributions
Buongiorno! Potete consigliarmi un posto carino da visitare in città dove si paga poco, oltre i posti delle mie recensioni? Grazie
Gianluigi G
Catania, Italy451 contributions
castello della zisa, oppure cattedrale di palermo o di monreale
Per i docenti c'è ingresso gratuito come per i musei? Oppure tramite carta del docente?
klavka v
62 contributions
Credo di sì, meglio telefonare per conferma comunque.
Nancy Lanoue
Brattleboro, VT102 contributions
Does the cafe in Teatro Massimo have breakfast fare? Thanks!
Carrie P
Greater London, UK255 contributions
Normally a croissant or muffin and cappuccino or espresso is available - opposite are a couple of hotels you could try out for a continental breakfast and down the street are dozens of little bars and cafes serving mini pizzas and hot dogs and of course Sicilian breakfasts of brioche and ice cream! A must have with freshly squeezed orange juice and pomegranate at one or two catching onto new desire for other fresh fruit juices. Enjoy!!
Becky R
West Bay, Grand Cayman44 contributions
Do the "high" chairs (seats 4-6) in the boxes have footrests of any kind?
Becky R
West Bay, Grand Cayman44 contributions
Thanks for your review. I am trying to book tickets for a ballet at the theater and would appreciate any info you can offer regarding the pros and cons of the various seating areas. I have read that the back seats 4-6 in the boxes are not good and that the views from the boxes that are sideways to the stage and not very good either. Where did you sit for your opera, and where would you suggest?
John D
8 contributions
We sat at the side. If the stage is North, we sat South West. First row in a box. Third level. Good view of the stage. Hope this helps.
Monica V
Mar del Plata, Argentina10 contributions
Dònde consigo ticket para tour adentro del teatro ? Saben precio ?
Patricia T
La Plata, Argentina138 contributions
En el mismo teatro. 8 €
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingTeatro Massimo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Teatro Massimo
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Teatro Massimo:
- City Sightseeing Palermo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From $22.22)
- Palermo No Mafia walking tour: discover the Anti-mafia culture in Sicily (From $36.10)
- Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty (From $71.10)
- Palermo Sightseeing con fiat 500 vintage!!! (From $199.96)
- Discover Palermo (From $44.44)
- Hotels near Teatro Massimo:
- (0.02 mi) Palazzo Sovrana
- (0.03 mi) Palco Rooms&Suites
- (0.03 mi) Massimo Plaza Hotel
- (0.04 mi) Palermo Center, Top Location, Massimo Theater
- (0.04 mi) Casa Al Teatro Massimo
- Restaurants near Teatro Massimo:
- (0.02 mi) Caffè del Teatro
- (0.03 mi) Bar Pasticceria Ruvolo
- (0.03 mi) Ocean Ice
- (0.03 mi) DOBA restaurant and terrace
- (0.04 mi) Focacceria Basile
- Attractions near Teatro Massimo:
- (0.01 mi) Eat and Walk - Street Food Tour
- (0.01 mi) Peppe Tour in Palermo
- (0.01 mi) Streaty - Street food tour of Palermo
- (0.12 mi) Palermo Street Food
- (0.13 mi) Palermo a Piedi - Walking Tour