Discover the Puppet Heritage of Palermo

Duration: 4 hours

Ages: 4-12 years

We’ve pulled some strings and set the stage for a magical day of storytelling with Palermo’s most wonderful tradition, the Puppet Opera, which has been declared a UNESCO masterpiece of vocal and intangible heritage. Master puppeteer Salvatore Bumbello will teach you and your children how to produce puppet props, operate the strings and create unusual sounds from the show on the barrel organ.

Following a cultural extravaganza, put on your detective cap and embark on a treasure hunt. Seek out clues that will reveal characters hidden within the city's historic landmarks, ranging from ornate fountains and colossal statues to beautiful heritage buildings.

After a successful afternoon solving riddles, unfurl your picnic blanket under an ancient Ficus in the centre of Piazza Marina. For those with a sweet tooth, complete your meal with a delicious pastry or dessert from a local sweet shop and enjoy a stroll through the peaceful grounds of the Garibaldi Garden.

Then, feeling fresh and revitalised, the children can transform themselves to become a Paladin knight as they dress up at Pasqualino Noto Puppet Museum and get involved in the magic of the stage.