Palazzolo È – Summer Cultural Season
The cultural season of Palazzolo Acreide, between the Greek Theatre of Akrai and the Baroque historic centre
About Palazzolo È
A widespread season in the heart of the Iblei mountains
Palazzolo È is the cultural hub promoted by the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Palazzolo Acreide, in the province of Syracuse, in south-eastern Sicily. Created to provide continuity and identity to the city's cultural offerings, the festival reaches its sixth season in 2026, spanning several months from spring to autumn and bringing the Baroque historic centre and the city's iconic landmarks to life.
The Greek Theatre of Akrai and the festival venues
The main stage is the Greek Theatre of Akrai, an archaeological jewel of the ancient Syracusan colony founded in the 6th century BC, which once again hosts live performances under the Iblei sky. Events are also held in the Auditorium Hall, along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, in the Castelvecchio district, and at Casa Bramante, a residence dedicated to artist residencies. Palazzolo Acreide, with its extraordinary Baroque architecture, is part of the UNESCO site of the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto.
A multidisciplinary programme
The season embraces diverse genres and languages, building a packed calendar of events designed for both residents and visitors:
- Theatre: classical and contemporary productions, featuring the regional Teatri di Pietra festival and prominent names from the national scene;
- Music: opera, symphonic, and singer-songwriter performances, from galas at the Theatre of Akrai to tributes to Italian music;
- Visual Arts: photography exhibitions, artist residencies, installations, and street art;
- Literature: book presentations and the Meraki Book Festival;
- Conferences and local culture: meetings dedicated to history, traditions, and the culinary heritage of the Iblei area.
Culture accessible to all
One of the hallmarks of Palazzolo È is the commitment to making culture accessible: most events are free with reservation, the result of collaboration between the Municipality, associations, foundations, and local entities involved through a public call. The stated goal is to build a programme "born from the territory and for the territory," capable of uniting tradition and innovation while enhancing the historical and landscape heritage of Palazzolo Acreide.
Palazzolo È — edition 2026
Palazzolo È 2026: the sixth season
The 2026 edition of Palazzolo È runs from April 27 to October 4, with the majority of events taking place between June and September. The main performances bring the Greek Theatre of Akrai and the historic centre of Palazzolo Acreide, in the province of Syracuse, to life.
Music
Highlights include: the Dave Monaco Gala (June 30), an evening dedicated to the tenor from Palazzolo; Battiato: l'alba dentro l'eterno with the Coro Lirico Siciliano, Mario Venuti, and Rita Botto (August 2); the tribute to Amy Winehouse L'amore è un gioco a perdere with Melania Giglio (August 7); and the Opera Gala with the David Orchestra dedicated to Donizetti and Rossini (August 8).
Theatre
The theatre programme includes Roberto Ciufoli (July 12), Mario Incudine and Moni Ovadia in Le Supplici (July 27), Ettore Bassi in Il sindaco pescatore (August 5), and Enrico Lo Verso (August 11), in addition to the regional Teatri di Pietra festival (July 16-24).
Art and literature
There is also space for photography exhibitions, artist residencies at Casa Bramante, the Prisma festival, the Madonnari contemporanei, and the Meraki Book Festival (September 11-13). Most events offer free admission with reservation via the official website.
Programme Palazzolo È 2026
Music
- June 30 – Dave Monaco Gala (tenor), Theatre of Akrai
- August 2 – Battiato: l'alba dentro l'eterno (Coro Lirico Siciliano, Mario Venuti, Rita Botto)
- August 7 – Amy Winehouse: l'amore è un gioco a perdere (Melania Giglio)
- August 8 – Opera Gala with David Orchestra (tribute to Donizetti and Rossini)
Theatre
- July 12 – Roberto Ciufoli
- July 16-24 – Teatri di Pietra Festival
- July 27 – Mario Incudine and Moni Ovadia, Le Supplici
- August 5 – Ettore Bassi, Il sindaco pescatore
- August 11 – Enrico Lo Verso
- September 4 – Il profeta di Giona (Auditorium)
Art and literature
- June 27 – Itinera photography exhibition
- July 22 – Iperibleo artist residency
- July 31 – Prisma Festival
- August 3-10 – Casa Bramante artist residency
- September 11-13 – Meraki Book Festival
Highlights Palazzolo È 2026
Prices Palazzolo È 2026
Practical information — Palazzolo È
How to get there
Palazzolo Acreide is located in the Iblei hinterland, in the province of Syracuse. By car, take the A18/SS124 motorway towards Syracuse-Floridia-Palazzolo. Nearest airport: Catania-Fontanarossa (approx. 90 km). The reference railway station is Syracuse, which is connected by intercity bus lines.
Tickets
Most events offer free admission with mandatory reservation via the official website palazzolo-e.it. Different arrangements may apply for certain performances.
Information
Email: [email protected] - Tel. +39 0931 871111 / +39 328 6250197. Headquarters: Piazza del Popolo 1, Palazzolo Acreide.
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Where does it take place — Palazzolo È
Teatro Greco di Akrai
Piazza del Popolo 1, 96010 Palazzolo Acreide