Teatro Olimpico, Vicenza, Italy - SpottingHistory.com

The Teatro Olimpico ('Olympic Theatre') was constructed in 1580-1585. The theatre was the final design by the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio and was not completed until after his death. The trompe-l'œil onstage scenery, designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, to give the appearance of long streets receding to a distant horizon, was installed in 1585 for the very first performance held in the theatre, and is the oldest surviving stage set still in existence. The full Roman-style scaenae frons back screen across the stage is made from wood and stucco imitating marble. It was the home of the Accademia Olimpica, which was founded there in 1555.

The Teatro Olimpico is one of only three Renaissance theatres remaining in existence. It is still used several times a year.

Since 1994, the Teatro Olimpico, together with other Palladian buildings in and around Vicenza, has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Adrian Kuzis (4 months ago)
I did not get it. 11 € for a 5-10 minute visit is not worth it-even thought it is a historically significant site If you must visit for whatever reason, I would only recommend with a museum day pass so you at least get the opportunity to visit some truly amazing sites in the rest of the city for only a little more. Note most of that visit time is spent watching an epileptic inducing light show that did not, in my opinion, add anything so true visit time is between 1-2 minutes. Note also, we were not offered any self guiding equipment.

David Taylor (5 months ago)
Amazing theatre with a very special optical ilussion

MV (10 months ago)
The theater was very beautiful but the experience wasn't what I expected by the number of great reviews. I went at 3pm for the audio tour and although it was informative,you pay 11 Euros to see it but were rushed through so fast by an abrupt, very rude and careless staff. There was no enjoyment to this experience.

Valeria Saggiotto (14 months ago)
One star only for me. The theater itself is beautiful and stunning...however we paid €11 per person (!!!) and we were not even able to take a picture on stage without workers and cables...They were preparing for a concert...but nobody informed us at the ticket office. Staff inside the theater was not nice or welcoming. No guided tours.No nothing. Not a good experience for us.

Anna cocca (14 months ago)
Love it. The cost for a visit is to much.

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