San Carlo Theatre Tourism

Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, Italy, is a historic opera house that holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously active venue for public opera in the world, having been founded in 1737. Located adjacent to the central Piazza del Plebiscito, the theatre is connected to the Royal Palace and originally was accessible from the palace through a private entrance. San Carlo Theatre has been the benchmark for Italian operatic culture and has seen the premieres of numerous famous operas. The theatre's architecture is a fine example of Neoclassical style with a lavish interior featuring gold decorations, plush red velvet seats, and a stunning royal box. It underwent multiple restorations, with one of the major revamps led by architect Antonio Niccolini in the early 19th century. The theatre boasts excellent acoustics and an ornate horseshoe-shaped auditorium, a design that has been replicated in many other venues around the world. With a seating capacity of around 1,400, Teatro di San Carlo is not only a venue for opera but also hosts ballet performances, concerts, and cultural events.