The Teatro Massimo is the largest theater in Italy, and the theater is ranked as one of the largest in Europe as a whole and takes number three after Europe's Paris National and the Vienna State Opera. The theater is famous for being equipped with the latest lighting and sound technologies. Many musical and opera performances by famous artists and orchestras are held on the stage. As for the history of theatre, the theater was created in 1864 when the Palermo Council announced an international competition for the construction of an opera house with the encouragement of Mayor Antonio Starrappa de Rodin, with the aim of enhancing the city's image after the unification of Italy in 1861.