Teatro Filarmonico

The Teatro Filarmonico in Verona is one of the most important cultural institutions in the city and represents a true gem of Italian theatrical architecture. Located in the heart of Verona’s historic center, the theater is the main opera house in the city and one of the oldest theaters in Italy. The history of the Teatro Filarmonico began in the 18th century, when the city of Verona, under the auspices of the Accademia Filarmonica, decided to build a theater that could host high-level performances. The construction of the theater began in 1716 based on a design by the Bolognese architect Francesco Galli Bibiena and was completed in 1732. The official inauguration took place on January 6 of the same year with the performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s opera “La Fida Ninfa,” with a libretto by Scipione Maffei. The choice of such a prestigious composer for the inauguration reflected the Academy’s ambition to create a theater of great cultural significance. Unfortunately, the theater suffered a serious incident in 1749 when a fire devastated the building. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1754, this time based on a design by the architect Giannantonio Paglia, who maintained the original character of the theater while introducing some structural changes. The reopening performance was “Lucio Vero” by Davide Perez, marking a new beginning for the theater’s cultural life. The history of the Teatro Filarmonico is marked by another tragic event: the Allied bombing on February 23, 1945, which destroyed much of the building. However, thanks to the determination of the Veronese community and the Accademia Filarmonica, the theater was rebuilt. The reconstruction project, selected through a national competition won by the architects Scalpelli, Sciascia, and Ferrante, was carried out respecting the original spirit of the theater while adapting it to modern needs. The restoration works lasted until 1975, when the theater was reopened with the performance of Antonio Salieri’s “Falstaff.” Today, the Teatro Filarmonico is managed by the Fondazione Arena di Verona and hosts a rich program of operas, concerts, and ballets. The theater’s opera season is famous for the quality of its productions and the presence of internationally renowned artists. The repertoire includes both classic operas, such as Rossini’s “La Cenerentola” and Puccini’s “Tosca,” and lesser-known works that enrich the theater’s cultural offerings.