Located in the stunning Piazza Castello in the historic centre of Turin, Italy, the Teatro Regio is both a beautiful building, worth visiting for its architecture alone, and home to a prominent opera company.
Operas were held in multiple venues across the city up until the 18th century, when it was decided to build a dedicated opera house for Turin. Planning for the building began in the first quarter of the century under the architect Juvarra but work was not actually begun until after his death. The inauguration was in 1740 after just two years of building.
Operas were held in multiple venues across the city up until the 18th century, when it was decided to build a dedicated opera house for Turin. Planning for the building began in the first quarter of the century under the architect Juvarra but work was not actually begun until after his death. The inauguration was in 1740 after just two years of building.
A rather extravagant venture, it received international attention because of the sheer numbers it could house, its capacity being 2,500. Both renowned Italian composers and internationals such as Bach, wrote works specifically for the theatre.
Under Napoleonic rule the theatre was renamed the Teatro Nazionale and was attended by the man himself on three occasions. With the Restoration the House of Savoy took ownership of the building once more and restored its original name. It remained in their hands until it was bought by the City of Turin in 1870. In 1936, the structure was raged by a ferocious fire and destroyed. Competition for the project to rebuild and delays meant that work on it did not begin until 1967 but it was then complete by 1973.
Today, the Opera and Ballet Season is from October to June and sees around ten productions put together each year. In addition to this, the Teatro Regio plays host to many other activities.
Under Napoleonic rule the theatre was renamed the Teatro Nazionale and was attended by the man himself on three occasions. With the Restoration the House of Savoy took ownership of the building once more and restored its original name. It remained in their hands until it was bought by the City of Turin in 1870. In 1936, the structure was raged by a ferocious fire and destroyed. Competition for the project to rebuild and delays meant that work on it did not begin until 1967 but it was then complete by 1973.
Today, the Opera and Ballet Season is from October to June and sees around ten productions put together each year. In addition to this, the Teatro Regio plays host to many other activities.
These include symphonic-choral and chamber concerts that see the involvement of the Teatro Regio Orchestra and Chorus, a series of shows staged at the Piccolo Regio and intended for a new audience and families, events for music and dance festivals like Torino Settembre Musica, Torinodanza, RegioneInTour, Punto Verde Giardini Reali, activities and shows for children and teens, conferences, guided tours and exhibitions.
So, even if you can't catch a show there might be other events you could take part in.
The guided tours are a particularly nice idea as you'll get to see more of the stunning building.
They last an hour and a half and take place September to July, from Tuesday to Saturday (except on holidays and on days when a dress rehearsal or matinee performance is scheduled).
Experience a cultural feast of architecture, history, music and dance at the Teatro Regio this year for yourself by staying in a nearby vacation villa rental and paying a visit. While you're in the area, there's also much more to see in the Piazza Castello.
So, even if you can't catch a show there might be other events you could take part in.
The guided tours are a particularly nice idea as you'll get to see more of the stunning building.
They last an hour and a half and take place September to July, from Tuesday to Saturday (except on holidays and on days when a dress rehearsal or matinee performance is scheduled).
Experience a cultural feast of architecture, history, music and dance at the Teatro Regio this year for yourself by staying in a nearby vacation villa rental and paying a visit. While you're in the area, there's also much more to see in the Piazza Castello.
Photo credits
picture 1: Simone Solinas / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Simone Solinas / CC BY-SA 3.0
