Home Europe Italy Palermo THE PUPPETS’ OPERA
THE PUPPETS’ OPERA

THE PUPPETS’ OPERA

Palermo

Via Bara all'Olivella, 95

The alleys of the old town are, still today, the kingdom of the pupi (strictly Sicilian puppets/dolls) opera, recognized as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage. It is locally considered the town’s flagstaff show, created in the mid 1800s and related to popular tradition. Stories of bandits and saints, Shakespearian dramas, and chronicles of the French paladins are brought to the stage, starring Charlemagne, Orlando and Rinaldo, the beautiful Angelica, Astolfo, and the Hippogryph. The theater of the pupi was a place where the feelings that tormented the townspeople’s souls could be represented by the puppets, not only for shear amusement. Chivalry, sense of honor, need for justice, the wrath of the oppressed and the will for revenge: the pupi could speak of real-life issues while men could only keep them to themselves. You may admire such performances even today, at the Teatro dell'Opera dei Pupi (pupi opera house).
Read more

Stories nearby

Hotels nearby

Come and discover our locally inspired hotels. From the moment you step inside, you will be immersed in the destination. Your journey starts here.

What are your interests?

Are you a foodie? Do you enjoy learning about the local history and culture? Are you passionate about nature? Explore the local stories that catch your interest and let them inspire your next trip!

View more