Any kind of Italy tours tend to include some cultural or artistic excursions, and among the museums, art galleries, and historical sites, theaters take up a high position! Whether you wish to explore the surroundings or attend a show, you should know of the best ones to visit. So, look through our list of the top 10 theaters in Italy!

a Venice canal with buildings on each side and a bridge — Credit: Unsplash.

1. Teatro La Fenice, Venice

Depicted as “one of the most famous and renowned landmarks in the history of Italian theater,” Teatro la Fenice is a popular attraction in Venice and one that should definitely end up in your itinerary! The theater has been the site of many widely-acclaimed operatic premieres, featuring works by the most prominent belcanto-era composers - Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi. If you want to combine a family-friendly opera trip with a city break, this would be our choice!

2. Teatro La Scala, Milan

One of Milan’s signature marks and the most impressive artistic spaces, Teatro La Scala has an interesting historical background and evidence of impressive adaptation to many changes throughout the years. Its story begins with a destructive fire in the 1700s, the construction following after, and many other dramatic occurrences. That includes the influential hand of Napoleon and the horrific aftermath of the Second World War.

Teatro la scala in Milan — Credit: Pixabay.

3. Arena di Verona, Verona

Arena di Verona has always been a popular tourist attraction, but the best part of it is that they are still performing and organizing shows on this historical landmark. This amazing outdoor venue dating back to the 1st century AD, has changed its function many times during the years, and what was once a site for public executions and open trials is now a stunning opera theater.

4. Teatro San Carlo, Naples

The region of Naples is much more than just picturesque surroundings and great cuisine. Teatro San Carlo is the oldest opera house in Italy and one of the most anticipated sites to visit in Naples. Apart from the opera, the theater houses an elite ballet academy, thus offering some great ballet performances.

A ballet dancer stretching — Credit: Pixabay.

5. Teatro Massimo, Sicily

The third largest opera house in Europe, Teatro Massimo is unique in its architecture and some interesting design choices. For better acoustics and clear sounds, the area has removable ceiling panels! Teatro Massimo is also a fan favorite for appearing in Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather III.

6. Teatro Regio, Turin

Similarly to Teatro La Scala, Teatro Regio was also brought back to life after a destructive fire and now serves its purpose by demonstrating musicals, plays, and operas. In the 18th century, it was built as a Royal Theater and seated international grandees like Napoleon, and it is now available for everyone!

7. Teatro Comunale, Bologna

As one of the top and one of the oldest theaters in Italy, Teatro Comunale houses impeccable performances of opera, musicals, and symphonies. It is also an architectural marvel, perfectly displaying 18th-century Italian Baroque style. You will probably come across it anyways, as it is located in one of the most significant historic districts in Bologna!

A view from behind an orchestra — Credit: Pixabay.

8. Teatro Regio, Parma

Now that we are still in Northern Italy, let’s visit the small yet prosperous city of Parma. While it is primarily known for its cuisine and gastronomical traditions, its main artistic attraction, Teatro Regio, still takes the top as one of the most impressive establishments and awaited visits. Built at the beginning of the 19th century, the Neo-Classical theater offers drama, opera, and dance performances!

9. Teatro Verdi, Pisa

The theatrical area dedicated to Giuseppe Verdi is one of the most beautiful traditional performance sites in Italy and the main theater in Pisa. It was built in the 19th century and was originally called Regio Teatro Nuovo. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pisa and a great space to watch some stunning shows!

10. Teatro dell’opera, Rome

Lastly, we have to get back to Italy’s artistic and cultural center, the capital city, Rome. Its opera house holds many classical dance and opera concerts, and in the summertime, you can even enjoy them in a specifically prepared area outside, giving it a romantic feel of listening to the most beautiful classical music under the night sky.

Prepare to be stunned by the performers and the architecture that makes the theaters so distinctively Italian! Enjoy and explore your surroundings, and, most importantly, let yourself be taken away by the sound of music. Good luck!

If you want to visit other key sites in Italy, and more historical landmarks then here are other famous landmarks in Italy.

Trevi Fountain (one of the most famous landmarks in Rome, a stunning 18th-century fountain designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and arguably the most famous fountain in all of Italy, if you're looking for the best time to visit, go early morning before the day crowds come in)
Rialto bridge (the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice, a short 6 minute walk from Piazza San Marco - home to St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace)
St. Peter's Basilica (perhaps the most famous Catholic Church in the world located in it's own country (Vatican city) within the city of Rome, and one of the most famous italian landmarks this place is one of the best places to explore incredible famous art installations such as Pietà by Michelangelo, or if you want to see more, head over to the nearby Vatican Museums)
Ponte Vecchio (worth visiting on any trip to Florence, this is the only bridge in Florence that survived World War II and is the perfect place to soak up some history and or start your guided tour of Florence)
Leaning tower of Pisa (an UNESCO World Heritage Site, this majority white marble exterior is a popular tourist destination with over 5 million visitors each year gathering in this popular place for their iconic photographs)
San Gimignano (a popular destination in the province of Siena, one of the best things about this Italian town is the Torre Grossa, an amazing bell tower located in Piazza del Duomo)
Palatine Hill (amazing ancient ruins and arguably the best way to see remains of Ancient Rome. In use today as an open-air museum that allows you to step back into ancient times and explore an archaeological site)