Teatro San Carlo
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 15 January 2024
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The Teatro San Carlo is one of the greatest sources of pride for Neapolitans. The historic theatre lies in one of the most beautiful parts of Naples city centre: opposite the Galleria Umberto I in one direction and adjoined to the Royal Palace of Naples in the other.
First opened in 1737 by the Bourbon royal family, Teatro San Carlo is the world's longest continuously active theatre. |
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Destroyed by fire then rebuilt in 1816
Naples Opera House, San Carlo, is adjacent to Piazza del Plebiscito and connected to the Royal Palace. It was commissioned by the Bourbon King Charles III of Naples and designed by the architects Giovanni Medrano and Angelo Carasale. In 1816, the San Carlo theatre, or Teatro di San Carlo, was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt by order of King Ferdinand IV to a new design by the Tuscan architect Antonio Niccolini although he kept the horseshoe shape.
During this period, Naples was at the very centre of European music with the greatest composers including Haydn and Bach eager to have their music performed at the Teatro di San Carlo. Rossini was the house composer of the royal opera houses from 1815 to 1822 including, of course, San Carlo.
During this period, Naples was at the very centre of European music with the greatest composers including Haydn and Bach eager to have their music performed at the Teatro di San Carlo. Rossini was the house composer of the royal opera houses from 1815 to 1822 including, of course, San Carlo.
Post-war refurbishment
Refurbishments were carried out in 1844 and the magnificent paintings on the ceiling were added in 1854 along with the gold trim, red velvet curtains and seats. The foyer was designed by Michele Platania and built in 1937 but was destroyed in a bombing raid during WWII.
After the liberation of Naples, the foyer was rebuilt by Peter Francis of the Royal Artillery in just 3 weeks and the first opera, Puccini’s La Boheme, was performed on Boxing Day 1943.
These days, the opera season usually runs from January to May while ballet takes place from April to June. Music concerts and performances continue at Teatro San Carlo for eleven months of the year but it usually closes in August because of the heat. Guided tours of the theatre are also very popular.
After the liberation of Naples, the foyer was rebuilt by Peter Francis of the Royal Artillery in just 3 weeks and the first opera, Puccini’s La Boheme, was performed on Boxing Day 1943.
These days, the opera season usually runs from January to May while ballet takes place from April to June. Music concerts and performances continue at Teatro San Carlo for eleven months of the year but it usually closes in August because of the heat. Guided tours of the theatre are also very popular.
Teatro di San Carlo
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City: Naples
Province: Metropolitan City of Naples Region: Campania Established: 1737 Architectural style: Neoclassical Close by: Royal Palace of Naples, Galleria Umberto, Castel Nuovo Recommended accommodation: NapoliMia Hotel |
