Teatro Politeama

Teatro Politeama is a 19th-century theatre in Palermo, Sicily, located on the city’s prominent Piazza Ruggero Settimo. It is one of Palermo’s main public theatres and an architectural landmark of the city.

The theatre contains an auditorium and stage used for opera, concerts and a range of performing arts; its façade and the surrounding square are notable urban features. The building is associated with Palermo’s civic cultural life and often hosts music and theatrical events.

Construction and design date to the 19th century and the theatre was created as a public cultural venue in that period; it has been modified and maintained for continued theatrical use since then. Over time the building has served both elite and popular entertainments and forms part of Palermo’s network of historic theatres.

Sited in central Palermo on the island of Sicily, the theatre stands at the northern edge of the historic center close to major streets and public transport links. The surrounding area is urban and densely built, with shops, cafés and other cultural institutions nearby.

• Location: Sits on Piazza Ruggero Settimo, at the northern edge of Palermo's historic center, making it easy to combine with a walk through nearby streets and shops.
• Use: Houses a theatre building from the 19th century used for operas, concerts and popular shows rather than as a museum.