Opened on 30 November 2001 at a build cost of roughly R1.6 billion, Montecasino recreates a medieval Tuscan village, complete with a painted ‘Piazza’ ceiling that simulates the sky shifting from daylight to dusk. Named after the Italian abbey town of Monte Cassino, the complex draws more than 9 million visitors a year and includes a casino floor, the Palazzo hotel, cinemas, restaurants and a bird garden. Its Teatro theatre, which opened in 2007 at a cost of more than R100 million, seats around 1,870 people, making it one of the largest theatres in South Africa and a major stop for touring musicals, comedy and concerts. Between its scale, theming and entertainment offering, Montecasino has become one of Johannesburg’s most recognisable event and leisure destinations.