Italy has a wealth of beautiful and historic opera houses, many of which still serve as theaters. Opera fans should try to visit at least one opera house and enjoy a live performance in Italy. Opera season is generally from October to March or April, but outdoor performances are held in the summer. Opera houses also offer theater and dance performances at other times of the year, and some can be toured without going to a performance.
01
of 12
Alla Scala Theater in Milan
Direction
Via Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milan MI, ItalyGet directions
Web
Visit the website
The Teatro Alla Scala , Milan’s famous opera house, reopened in December 2004 after an extensive renovation. It also has a bookstore, a bar and a history museum. The original opera, designed by the neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini, opened in 1778 and many famous operas were first performed here. La Scala was heavily bombed during WWII, but reopened in 1946 and quickly regained its reputation as one of the leading Italian operas.
02
of 12
La Fenice Theater in Venice
Direction
Campo San Fantin, 1965, 30124 Venice VE, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 041 786654
Web
Visit the website
La Fenice (the Phoenix) in Venice, is one of the most famous theaters in Europe. La Fenice first opened in 1792, but was damaged twice by fire. It has recently been renovated and reopened. La Fenice is located in the San Marco district of Venice.
03
of 12
Teatro di San Carlo in Naples
Direction
Via San Carlo, 98, 80132 Naples NA, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 081 797 2331
Web
Visit the website
The Teatro di San Carlo in Naples is the oldest opera house in Italy, founded in 1737. Some of the first ballet productions were also performed here during opera intervals. Opera, ballet, and short comic opera are still performed at the Teatro San Carlo . A museum is in the planning stage.
04
of 12
Municipal Theater in Bolonia
Direction
Largo Respighi, 1, 40126 Bolonia BO, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 051 529019
Web
Visit the website
The Bologna Opera is one of the best theaters in Italy and also one of the oldest. It is an impressive example of 18th century Baroque architecture. Located in the heart of the historic district of Bologna, the Teatro Comunale di Bologna offers opera, musical and symphonic performances.
05
of 12
Massimo Theater in Palermo
Direction
Piazza Verdi, 90138 Palermo PA, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 091 605 3521
Web
Visit the website
The Teatro Massimo in Palermo is the most important opera house in Sicily and one of the best in Europe. Its opening in 1897 marked the beginning of Palermo’s belle epoque. Performances throughout the year include opera, ballet, and music.
06
of 12
Regio Theater of Parma
Direction
Str. G. Garibaldi, 16 / a, 43121 Parma PR, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 0521 203911
Web
Visit the website
Built in 1829, Parma’s neoclassical theater is rich in gold and stucco. The theater offers opera, dance and theater performances, as well as concerts and special events.
07
of 12
Verdi Theater in Pisa
Direction
Via Palestro, 40, 56127 Pisa PI, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 050 941111
Web
Visit the website
Teatro Verdi in Pisa is one of the most beautiful theaters in central Italy. The 900-seat auditorium, opened in 1867, has a beautiful ceiling fresco and today hosts opera, dance and theater performances.
08
of 12
Regio Theater in Torino
Direction
Str. G. Garibaldi, 16 / a, 43121 Parma PR, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 0521 203911
Web
Visit the website
The Teatro Regio , the prominent opera house in Piazza Castello , a beautiful square in Turin, was rebuilt in 1973. The original 19th-century theater was destroyed by fire in 1936. It is a popular venue for musicals and plays, as well as for opera.
09
of 12
Rome opera house
Direction
Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 00184 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 06 481601
Web
Visit the website
Rome has a beautiful opera house and hosts many classical dance concerts and opera performances. In summer, opera and dance shows are held in the ancient Baths of Caracalla, a spectacular setting for opera under the stars.
10
of 12
Arena of Verona
Direction
Piazza Bra, 1, 37121 Verona VR, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 045 800 5151
Web
Visit the website
Although not an opera house, another fantastic historical setting for opera is the Arena di Verona, a restored Roman stadium. The open-air opera season begins in June, but there are sometimes other performances throughout the year.
eleven
of 12
Puccini Festival, Tuscany
Direction
55049 Torre del Lago, Province of Lucca, ItalyGet directions
The Puccini Festival takes place in Torre del Lago Puccini, once the home of opera composer Giacomo Puccini, in July and August. The new outdoor arena is in a beautiful setting overlooking the lake.
12
of 12
Festival de Ópera Sferisterio, Macerata
Direction
Piazza Nazario Sauro, 62100 Macerata MC, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 0733 230735
Web
Visit the website
The Sferisterio Opera Festival is held in an open-air arena in the countryside of Macerata, in the central region of Marche, Italy. Performances take place in July and August and often attract top performers.
The best summer music festivals
For more high-performance venues in Italy, check out these popular summer music festivals. Going to a concert in an outdoor setting is one of the best summer experiences. Make sure to buy tickets in advance.
