Theater Goldoni

The Goldoni Theater in Florence, located in Via Santa Maria in Oltrarno, is one of the city’s most significant historical theaters. Built in 1817 on the initiative of theater producer Luigi Gargani, the theater was designed by architect Giuseppe del Rosso. The site chosen for construction was the former monastery of Annalena, an area rich in history that added an additional layer of meaning to the new theater structure. The theater was inaugurated with the comedy “Il burbero benefico” by Carlo Goldoni, to whom it is dedicated. This choice signaled Gargani’s intention to create a versatile and modern space, capable of hosting both theatrical and musical performances. In fact, the Teatro Goldoni immediately stood out for its versatility, with an indoor hall accompanied by an outdoor arena, able to accommodate up to 1500 spectators. During the 19th century, the theater became one of the favored places by the court of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, thanks to its proximity to Palazzo Pitti. The Grand Duke even had a private staircase leading directly to the central box. However, with the fall of the Lorraine and the unification of Italy, the theater went through a period of decline. In 1875, after a significant renovation that included the installation of a gas lighting system, the theater was reopened with Rossini’s “L’Italiana in Algeri,” marking a new beginning. The Teatro Goldoni played a crucial role in the cultural history of Florence, hosting the Florentine Philharmonic Society, considered the precursor of the current Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and its orchestra. This connection with music and opera consolidated the theater’s reputation as a dynamic and influential cultural center. An interesting anecdote concerns the use of the theater in the post-war period. The Teatro Goldoni was used for the filming of Federico Fellini’s movie “I Vitelloni,” demonstrating its versatility and importance in the world of cinema. In the 1950s, the theater became the headquarters of Vittorio Gassman’s “Bottega,” a theater workshop that contributed to the training of many generations of actors. In 1998, the Teatro Goldoni was once again restored and reopened with a famous staging of Monteverdi’s “Orfeo,” directed by Luca Ronconi. For a decade, the theater was dedicated to baroque dance and melodrama, further strengthening its vocation for artistic excellence. Despite a period of inactivity, the theater reopened in 2020, continuing to host significant events such as “Euridice” by Jacopo Peri, under the direction of Davide Garattini Raimondi. The architecture of the Teatro Goldoni is another element of great interest. Giuseppe del Rosso’s design follows neoclassical canons, with a simple yet elegant facade that reflects the functionality and beauty of the interior structure. The interior, with its four tiers of overlapping boxes, offers a perfect view from every angle, ensuring a high-quality visual and acoustic experience.