Bellini Theatre

Located towards the north-east of Piazza Duomo, on the square of the same name, the Bellini Theatre (Teatro Massimo Vincenzo Bellini officially in Italian) is the most important in Catania, dedicated to the famous composer born in the city, inaugurated on 31 May 1890 with the performance of Norma by Bellini.
It is a Baroque as well as Neo-classical construction inspired by the French style of the Second Empire, imposed by Charles Garnier with the Paris Opera, which stands out for its splendid interior hall with its woodwork and balconies.
The chosen project, after a long history of conflicts, was that of the architect Carlo Sada , who took up the project of Andrea Scala, the winner of the competition, finalising its design.
The facade is decorated with ornaments and allegories, with an elegant entrance porch for carriages, closed by wrought-iron gates, the “Ridotto” foyer behind the central arches, and busts such as those of Bellini and sculpted allegories.
The interior has four tiers of balconies, a large Italian-style hall and excellent acoustic qualities.

Guided tours are possible from Tuesday to Saturday, in the morning, the full price is around €6.50.

Other notable elements on Piazza Bellini

  • The Fontana dei Delfini (Fountain of the Dolphins), in the centre of the square, facing the Bellini Theatre, was made in the 18th century by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, moved from the cloister of the Badia di Sant’Agata. Only two of the four dolphins are original, the other two being copies.
  • The Piazza Vincenzo Bellini itself has become a pedestrian area, along with the adjacent pedestrian streets.
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Where the Bellini Theatre is located in Catania

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