Teatro Politeama Garibaldi — Attraction in Palermo

The Politeama Garibaldi

In 1859, although the city of Palermo was well supplied with public theaters, the idea of ​​announcing an international competition for the construction of a new theater to be named after Ferdinand II took shape, which should have been built in Piazza Marina. The theater was considered a fundamental need by the Municipality of Palermo. It was supposed to be a work of great importance and value for the city with the aim also of employing a large number of artisans and artists, above all local ones. In 1860, however, following Garibaldi's enterprise of the Thousand and the fall of Bourbon rule, the idea of ​​building a new theater seemed to fail and four years had to pass before the project was launched. In 1864, in fact, thanks to the enlightened policy of the then mayor Antonio Starabba, Marquis of Rudinì, the municipal administration announced the international competition for the construction of the monumental opera house (which will later become the Teatro Massimo) and, in 1865, an internal competition for the construction of a multi-purpose day theater entrusting the design to Giuseppe Damiani Almeyda, a young district engineer. The theater had to be built on the extreme edge of the Palermo monumental structure as an ideological point of reference for the expansion of the modern city and, in opposition to the other, primarily intended to satisfy the aristocratic need for an opera house suitable for grand opéra performances, it had to be dedicated to the enjoyment and entertainment of a more popular audience, imagining productions for them such as operettas, comic and dramatic works, balls, parties, circus and...

Teatro Politeama Garibaldi is one of the most important and iconic theaters in Palermo, Sicily. Located on Piazza Ruggiero Settimo, it is a magnificent example of 19th-century architecture, blending Neoclassical and Baroque styles. The theater was inaugurated in 1874 and has been a central hub for the performing arts in the city ever since.

The façade of the theater is particularly impressive, with its grand portico supported by large columns, topped by a beautiful statue of Garibaldi, the Italian revolutionary hero, after whom the theater is named. The interior is equally stunning, with ornate decorations and a seating capacity of around 1,300, making it one of the largest theaters in Sicily.

Teatro Politeama Garibaldi hosts a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, classical music concerts, and theatrical plays, as well as contemporary performances. It’s an important cultural venue in Palermo, attracting both local residents and international visitors who come to enjoy its rich history and artistic programming.

For anyone visiting Palermo, Teatro Politeama Garibaldi offers not only a beautiful building to admire but also an opportunity to experience some of the finest performances...

The Teatro Politeama Garibaldi is one of the most beautiful and imposing landmarks in Palermo. Its neoclassical architecture, with a façade decorated with elegant columns and crowned by a spectacular bronze chariot sculpture on the roof, catches your eye from afar. The interior is just as impressive, featuring a horseshoe-shaped hall, refined boxes, and decorative details that exude history and sophistication. The acoustics are excellent, and the atmosphere during performances is truly special.

What makes the theatre stand out even more is the way its elegance contrasts with the rest of the city. Palermo is fascinating, but it has a slightly chaotic charm and some more modest, even run-down areas — making the Politeama feel like a perfectly polished jewel in the middle of this urban landscape.

As the home of the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra, it hosts concerts, opera, ballet, and a variety of cultural events throughout the year. If you visit Palermo, I recommend seeing it both during the day, to admire its architectural details, and at night, when the lighting makes it look like something out of a fairytale. A place where culture, history, and beauty meet — definitely worth...