Teatro Sociale (Social Theater), Como
The Social Theater (Teatro Sociale) of Como was founded following the decision of the local nobility that a new theatre was needed. It replaced the existing 1765-year building, which was regarded as outdated. The site of the ruined medieval castle, Round Tower (Torre Rotonda), was chosen as the location of the new theatre. Construction started under architect Giuseppe Cusi in early 1812 but was not finished until August 1813.
The new theatre had a Neo-classic facade, finished in time for a performance of Marco Portogallo's opera, "Adriano in Siria." Renovations done in 1854 created 38 new boxes. The theatre re-opened in 1855 with a box capacity of 98. By the early 20th century, the theatre was again determined to be too small to accommodate all who wished to attend. A new house was built in 1910.
The entrance portico is supported by six free-standing Corinthian columns. The facade has a regal, grand opera look. The cello-shaped auditorium has red velvet seats. On the ceiling painted by Eleuterio Pagliano, muses descend Olympus with crowns for artists. Curtains designed by Alessandro Sanquirico depict the volcanic death of Pliny the Elder.
Nicolo Paganini gave a virtuoso violin concert at the theatre in 1823. Franz Liszt performed his composition "The Serenade" and "The Orgy" there in 1837. The Social Theatre also has a famous outdoor stage called the "Arena." Closed in the 1960s, it re-opened in 2013 with a production of Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana."
Since 2012, every year in July, the entire city of Como is animated by the Como City of Music Festival (Festival Como Citt脿 della Musica) organized by the Social Theatre. Many international shows take place around the streets, from tango and swing ballets to African and Japanese traditional music concerts.
The new theatre had a Neo-classic facade, finished in time for a performance of Marco Portogallo's opera, "Adriano in Siria." Renovations done in 1854 created 38 new boxes. The theatre re-opened in 1855 with a box capacity of 98. By the early 20th century, the theatre was again determined to be too small to accommodate all who wished to attend. A new house was built in 1910.
The entrance portico is supported by six free-standing Corinthian columns. The facade has a regal, grand opera look. The cello-shaped auditorium has red velvet seats. On the ceiling painted by Eleuterio Pagliano, muses descend Olympus with crowns for artists. Curtains designed by Alessandro Sanquirico depict the volcanic death of Pliny the Elder.
Nicolo Paganini gave a virtuoso violin concert at the theatre in 1823. Franz Liszt performed his composition "The Serenade" and "The Orgy" there in 1837. The Social Theatre also has a famous outdoor stage called the "Arena." Closed in the 1960s, it re-opened in 2013 with a production of Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana."
Since 2012, every year in July, the entire city of Como is animated by the Como City of Music Festival (Festival Como Citt脿 della Musica) organized by the Social Theatre. Many international shows take place around the streets, from tango and swing ballets to African and Japanese traditional music concerts.
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Teatro Sociale (Social Theater) on Map
Sight Name: Teatro Sociale (Social Theater)
Sight Location: Como, Italy (See walking tours in Como)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Como, Italy (See walking tours in Como)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Como, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Como
Creating your own self-guided walk in Como is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Como Lakeshore Walking Tour
English novelist Mary Shelley declared visitors to Italy are in danger of becoming: "enjoyers of the beauties of nature, the elegance of art, the delights of climate, the recollections of the past, and the pleasures of society." All this she found on the shores of Lake Como. From Roman writer Pliny the Younger onward, visitors and natives of Como would have agreed.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The alpine lake is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Como Introduction Walking Tour
The Roman writer Pliny the Younger wrote to his friend, "What is the news from Como, mine and your delight?" Como is a place of churches, gardens, temples, museums, parks, and palaces. Its nearness to spectacular Lake Como and the Swiss and Italian Alps has made the area a travelers' delight from the time of Pliny the Younger until today.
In the 1st century BC, none other than... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
In the 1st century BC, none other than... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles