The Massimo theatre is located on the Piazza Verdi in Palermo, is the largest Opera house in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. In addition, worldwide known for its unique acoustics. The theater was named after the first king United Italy Victor Emmanuel II. Interesting fact – here filmed the final scenes of the legendary film "the Godfather 3".

The construction of the theater began in January 1874 on the initiative of the municipality of Palermo. And before that for 10 years was the international competition to design the Opera house, which according to its organizers, was to serve as a reminder of the creation of a new European state – unified Italy. By pobeditel of the competition was architect Giovanni Battista Filippo Basile, and commenced the erection of the building. However, less than a few months, as the construction was frozen for the whole 8 years and only resumed in 1890. A year later, Basile died, and it took his son Ernesto, who brought the construction to the end of 22 years after its commencement. May 16, 1897, the Opera house was inaugurated – was the first production of Giuseppe Verdi's Opera "Falstaff", conducted by Leopoldo Mugnone.

The architect Basile completed his creation in a neoclassical style with elements of Greek temples, as was sincerely admired the ancient Sicilian architecture. The main auditorium, which can accommodate up to 3 thousand people and has the shape of a horseshoe with seven lodges, decorated in the style of the late Renaissance. Inside you can see the sculptures of the great composers of the Italian Giusto Livy and his sons.

In the 20th century the building underwent a serious restoration – it began in 1974 and due to the political crises of those years was stretched for long 23 years. The renovated theater opened its doors to the public a few days before the centennial anniversary – may 12, 1997. However, the Opera season was opened only in 1999, during those two years the performances were in a small theater next door.