Teatro Massimo Bellini
Catania
The Teatro Massimo Bellini is Catania's opera house, dedicated to the famous Catanian composer Vincenzo Bellini. Inaugurated in 1890 with his Norma, it is famous for its acoustics and its lavish decoration. A stop full of artistic charm along the treasure map.
History
The theatre, designed by Andrea Scala with Carlo Sada, was inaugurated on 31 May 1890 with Norma and named after Vincenzo Bellini, the great opera composer born in Catania in 1801. Its construction crowned a wish the city had cherished since the 18th-century rebuilding. The building draws on the French eclecticism of the Second Empire.
What to see
The monumental façade, laden with ornaments and allegories, and the sumptuous interiors are striking for the richness of their decoration. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium has four tiers of boxes, beneath a ceiling frescoed by Ernesto Bellandi with the apotheosis of Bellini and allegories of his major operas. In the foyer, among marble and stucco, stands out the bronze statue of the composer.
Curiosities
The theatre is renowned for its acoustics, praised by the great singers who have performed there. The ceiling celebrates Norma, La sonnambula, I puritani and Il pirata. Every year the theatre still hosts an opera season and a symphony season.
How to visit
The theatre is in piazza Vincenzo Bellini, in the centre of Catania, within walking distance. You can attend performances during the season or join guided tours of the interiors, when available. Check the calendar and times on the official website.
