Page 75 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sicily

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The Neo-Classical Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house
w Chiesa del e Teatro Massimo Europe. The exterior is superbly
Carmine Piazza Giuseppe Verdi. Map 1 B2. designed in Neo-Classical style
Tel 091-605 35 21. Open for tours: and features elements from
Via Giovanni Grasso 13a. Map 1 C5. the Greek temples at Selinunte
Tel 091-651 20 18. Open 8:30– 9:30am–5:30pm Tue–Sun (not during and Agrigento.
11:30am Mon–Sat. rehearsals). & ∑ teatromassimo.it The theatre now boasts
The Teatro Massimo is one five rows of boxes, a lavishly
This church, seat of the of the symbols of Palermo’s decorated gallery and a
Carmelite friars, dates from rebirth. Designed in 1864 by ceiling frescoed by Ettore
the 1600s. It lies on a much Italian architect Giovanni Maria Bergler and Rocco
higher level than the nearby Battista Filippo Basile, it was Lentini. The entrance, with
Mercato del Ballarò and is finished in 1897. In order to its Corinthian columns, is
topped by a cupola covered make room for it, the city also monumental in style.
with multicoloured majolica walls of Porta Maqueda, the Groups of ten or more can
tiles supported by four Atlantes. Aragonese quarter, San Giuliano attend the interesting Cocktail
The interior is dominated by convent and church, and the Tour, which is a special guided
an altar resting on pairs of Chiesa delle Stimmate di San tour of the theatre that
spiral columns decorated with Francesco and its monastery includes having a cocktail in
stuccoes by Giuseppe and were all demolished. the Royal Box. Alternatively,
Giacomo Serpotta (1683) of Dedicated to King Victor the Backstage Tour offers
scenes from the life of Mary. The Emanuel II, its 7,700 sq m (9,200 behind-the-scenes access
painting by Pietro Novelli (see sq yd) makes this not only the to the sets of the Massimo.
p27), The Vision of Sant’Andrea biggest opera house in Italy, Both tours require at least a
Corsini, is also worth a look. but also one of the largest in week's advance booking.
The Albergheria Quarter
The Albergheria is one of the poorest and most run-down quarters
in the old town, but it is also one of the most
intriguing. The highlight is the Mercato
di Ballarò, one of the best markets
in the city, a vivid combination
of colours, smells and lively
atmosphere. Here you can taste and
purchase typical Sicilian produce.
Locals buy vegetables, meat, fish
and also many household items.
However, a visit to the market is not
complete without tasting the delicious
panelle (pancakes made using
chickpea flour), served in a bread roll Detail of a mural in the
The cupola with polychrome majolica tiles, with some excellent seasoning. Albergheria quarter
Chiesa del Carmine

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