Teatro Massimo Bellini
Teatro Massimo Vincenzo Bellini
A 19th-century opera house named after Catania-born composer Bellini, with a lavish gold-and-red horseshoe auditorium; visitors can catch a performance or join a guided tour.
The Teatro Massimo Bellini opened in 1890. It is named after the opera composer Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in Catania and wrote Norma, and its opening performance featured his work. The neo-baroque facade faces a small square. Inside, the horseshoe-shaped auditorium has four tiers of boxes decorated with gold leaf and red velvet, and the ceiling painting depicts scenes from Bellini’s operas. The hall is considered to have excellent acoustics. On non-performance days, paid guided tours (about 30 minutes) are offered. During the season, you can catch an opera or symphony live. The surrounding squares become a lively bar district in the evening.
Opening hours
Tours usually Tue–Sat mornings; performances per program
Nearby sights
- Palazzo Biscari
- Badia di Sant'Agata
- Terme Achilliane
- Piazza del Duomo & Elephant Fountain, Catania
- Via Etnea
- La Pescheria, Catania
- Via dei Crociferi
- Piazza Carlo Alberto Market (Fera 'o Luni)