Teatro Olimpico

Vicenza, Italy

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:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1580-1585
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Italy

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Nils Paellmann (8 months ago)
This amazing theater has to be seen to be believed. It was designed by Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) and completed three years after his death in 1583. It was the first indoor theater to revive the antique tradition of providing a permanent stage and seating. The theater was commissioned by the Olympic Academy, a group of Vicentine nobles and intellectuals, founded in 1556. Palladio and his son Silla were members.
Adrian Mejak (9 months ago)
Beautiful place to see, little bit expensive but beautiful.
Michael Pegues (9 months ago)
A lot smaller than I expected when walking through, but very cool. I was amazed at the theater itself and it would be awesome to see a play here.
Morgan Merklin (11 months ago)
Absolutely beautiful and amazing. I would say it is a must see. I think this is one of the most amazing things I have seen in Italy. I hope to be blown away as we visit farther south but am comfortable with my statement. Entry is 11 per person. Kids to a certain age are free but it would be best to go with older kids. We took our 2yo and it was tough. Pictures simply don't do it justice. Go see it!
Mika Bettanin (13 months ago)
A masterpiece from Palladio right in the center of Vicenza. The room before the theater is also worth a stop. A brief exhibition about the history of the building is also available, but it's easy to miss and the staff don't really push it
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.