Enjoy an evening of musical and theatrical entertainment at the Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi. This lavish theater has been at the heart of Trieste’s cultural events since it opened as a modest venue in 1801. It is loosely modeled on one of Italy’s great theaters, Milan’s La Scala, the Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi has a capacity for an audience of 2,000 and hosts ballets, chamber music recitals, operas and symphonic concerts.
Throughout its 200-year history, the theater’s stage and horseshoe-shaped auditorium has witnessed the international premieres of notable operas. Among these are Il corsaro and Stiffelio by Giuseppe Verdi, Il Pirata by Vincenzo Bellini and L’Italiana in Algeriby Gioachino Rossini. Today, you can continue to attend interpretations of ballets and operas such as Don Giovanni and La Boheme.
Book a ticket to see a chamber or symphonic music recital. The Teatro Lirico Trieste Orchestra has been the theater’s resident orchestra since 1944. Time your visit to coincide with the Festival Internacional de Operetta (International Festival of Operetta). This event takes place in July and August and features both classic and new operas.
Before attending a show, take some time to admire the theater’s architecture and décor. It has a striking façade embellished with pedimented windows, pilasters and capitals. Marvel at the auditorium’s chandelier, frescoed ceiling and richly ornamented boxes. Note the colonnade, gold leaf decorations, marble walls and polished oak floor of the stately lobby, Sala del Ridotto.
The theater overlooks Trieste’s waterfront and is adjacent to the city’s main square, Piazza dell'Unità. Public buses stop nearby and parking is available along the waterfront.
The Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi’s performance season runs from October to June. Purchase tickets at the box office, which is open from Tuesday to Saturday and on Sunday when there’s a performance. You can also buy tickets via the theater’s official website. Discounted tickets are sold at the box office 1 hour prior to each performance.
