We were incredibly lucky to have Teatro Massimo di Palermo literally on our doorstep. The…read morearchitecture is stunning and absolutely photo-worthy. It's also famous from The Godfather Part III, where the assassination of Apollonia was filmed. We loved passing by day and night, always catching a new angle. Overall, it's a must-see and an easy stop while exploring Palermo. Saluti

Historical Teatro Massimo, Godfather 3 movie, one of the main scenes was filmed here, the feeling…read moreis amazing, the energy is dynamic. Sitting on those steps and just enjoying the atmosphere is a very unique experience. There are lots of shops and restaurants around it, in the heart of the Palermo, old and new are mixed and that gives the city a beautiful view , the whole street is filled with shops and carts where you can buy all sorts of gifts , souvenirs and memorabilia. People in general are nice, and kind of rule of thumb, the fancier the restaurant, the snobbier is the service lol we tried both: fancy and mom and pops eateries, one of the best to try is Dal Pompiere. In general, Sicilia is amazing

I believe that there are not many jazz clubs in the world like Real Teatro Santa Cecilia. An old…read moreroyal theatre transformed into a stage for passionate blue notes syncopated. But here we are, impressed and delighted. Not much more to say than to wait for the session to begin.

The "Teatro dei Pupi Siciliani", which means Sicilian Puppet Theatre in English, is one of the few…read morepuppet theatres still in existence. The long-standing family business is run by an older gentleman, his daughter and a close relative. In addition to the performance, in some cases it is possible to take a look behind the stage. A little "chatting" about the history of puppet theatre is very interesting. All figures are self-built and some of them have features like drawing a sword or spitting smoke. The figures are mostly played with sticks and ropes. In the small workshop next to the auditorium you can create and repair the figures.

Teatro Argento is a family run business. They present a puppet show in the old style. This is 30…read moreminutes of pure entertainment that should be on every visitor's list in Palermo. The language is Italian but even without knowing the language one can follow the adventures of knights and kings, and watch fights, sometimes involving dragons and decapitations! The craft and effort involved in this show can only be appreciated when Papa emerges after the show with one of the puppets, which weighs up to 10 kgs, and you wonder how they manipulate them so easily.

Completed in 1897, Teatro Massimo is the third largest opera house in Europe, designed by the famed…read morePalermitano architect Basile in a neo-classical style, reminiscent of the Greek ruins at Agrigento. The gilded auditorium, in a late-Renaissance style, features 7 tiers and seats 1350. The theater follows a traditional "stagione" season, with offerings of ballet and opera. Perhaps its most famous cameo, Teatro Massimo was featured in Francis Ford Coppola's film "Godfather III." I saw a production here with the great Mirella Freni towards the end of her long career. Orchestra sounded rather scrappy, but were warmed up by the second act. Also lovely were the plush armchair-style seats in the parquet. Acoustics were great! Tours are offered regularly, in English, Spanish, and Italian. They are brief (20 minutes) and do not go backstage. Photos are prohibited, until you reach the Royal Box (its a beautiful view). Highly recommended!