Sicilian Puppet Show in Syracuse: An Intimate Backstage Experience

Discover the enchanting world of Sicilian Puppet Shows in Syracuse. Immerse yourself in the backstage experience and witness the captivating art of puppeteers. Don’t miss this unique cultural adventure!

Duration: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Syracuse Museum of Puppets - Born between the mid-nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century, puppets and marionettes are part of the tradition and craftsmanship of Sicily.
    Let yourself be carried away by the stories - which tell of valiant knights, ladies and sorcerers - taken from ancient novels and poems of the Carolingian…
What's Included
  • Entrance ticket to the puppet theater show
  • Guided ‘behind the scenes’ tour
What's Not Included
  • Anything not included in the inclusions
Additional Information

In Syracuse, making the decision on what to explore, one can’t overlook this magnificent site. Back in 2008, UNESCO recognized the Opera dei Pupi as one of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Remarkably, it was the premier Italian heritage bestowed with this distinction. Thus, if you’re puzzling over what activities to embark on in Sicily,…

Location
Syracuse Museum of Puppets
Piazza San Giuseppe
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(22 Ratings)
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Fran_m
Apr 30, 2025
What a fun experience and... - What a fun experience and not just for children but it does bring the child out in you ! The tour leader was just so full of excitement it was infectious and it was also interesting learning about this art form ! All 4 of us loved it !
Review provided by Viator
Jodie_l
Apr 19, 2025
Amazing Information - Outstanding!!! Peitro was incredible and explained the history and mechanics of this ancient art with such passion and enthusiasm that I didn’t want the tour to end! Best. Experience. Ever!!!!
Review provided by Viator
A5440qibobk
Apr 19, 2025
Go Backstage - Don’t miss Paulo’s backstage tour after the show. He puts you hands-on with the puppets and brings the whole experience into exciting context.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A1948eaclairej
Apr 13, 2025
A fantastic tour and show. - A unique and wonderful experience. Our guide was so professional and clearly passionate about his work in the Teatro di Puppi. We were able to see backstage and try our hand at puppetering. The legacy of the traditional puppets were explained and we then watched a show. Fantastic- not to be missed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tamara
Apr 6, 2025
Be the puppet master - The behind the scenes tour was a perfect way to get our 5yo daughter engaged and interested in the show. We did not understand one word of Italian during the show, but we knew when to laugh and when to cheer. Our daughter has asked to go back!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathleen_m
Oct 11, 2024
Great show, especially loved the backstage experience - I enjoyed the show but really enjoyed the backstage access after. It was a cool opportunity to ask questions and learn all about the history behind Sicilian Puppeteering. Paulo was well informed and so fun to learn from!
Review provided by Viator
Gnunn
Oct 2, 2024
Unique experience - It was a memorable experience to see the performance and experience the behind the scenes component which was an opportunity to learn about the technique and skills used to make the puppets come alive. Plus an opportunity to operate the puppets! The performers are very talented and devoted to keeping this artform alive. This is sadly a dying craft but it was a very memorable part of my trip to Syracuse and I highly recommend it to anyone who visits Syracuse
Review provided by Viator
Alexr781
Sep 26, 2024
Super unique and interesting experience only found in Sicily! - We had a fantastic show and backstage tour of the traditional Sicilian Puppet Theater. It was such a unique and wonderful experience! The show was in Italian, but the host described to us the story in English so that we would have an idea of what was going on. Even though we didn't understand the language, there was still a lot to take in and appreciate during the 1 hour show. We were amazed at how well the actors moved the puppets and how detailed everything was. And even with the language barrier, we still enjoyed every minute. After the show, the actors showed us backstage to see how the puppets are made and controlled, and told us more of the history behind the Pupper Theater. This was a really amazing and unique experience - highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
654augustusl
Sep 24, 2024
Love the performance - As a son of a sicilian immigrant and being introduced to them at an early age by my grandfather on lower east side of manhattan, in little italy at the italian feasts this was a wonderful treat to watch a performance that was put on by passionate professionals
Review provided by Tripadvisor
356marlanea
Oct 21, 2024
A step back in time in Italian Culture - It’s a lovely intimate theatre that showcases traditional Marionette Puppetry. The Marionettes are 4-5 ft tall. The dialogue is in Italian but before the show starts, the plot is explained in English. The show is 45 mins with no intermission- a little long considering you can’t really follow the dialogue- so I wouldn’t recommend it for young children. If you hang onto your theatre ticket, you can go into the Puppet Museum- about a 5 min walk down the road- for 1 Euro to see the history of this art form. I’d suggest that instead of the “ behind the scenes” option.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $18
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).