Genoa is a tourist destination not only because of the large number of historic buildings, attractions, and typical dishes, but also because of a long and illustrious theatrical tradition, characterized by a rich variety of performances ranging from the neoclassical beauty of the past era to contemporary innovation.
Here, we will explore its four most important theaters that have made significant contributions to the city’s cultural scene.
Carlo Felice Theater
Probably the best known, the Carlo Felice hosts performances such as opera, classical operatic music and ballets, as well as international productions.
It was inaugurated on April 7, 1828: before then, Genoa had no theater for melodrama. Therefore, he decided to build one, both to bring melodramas to the city and to compete with the elegance of Italian theaters.
Over the decades, the Carlo Felice has become a center of excellence for the performing arts, with a focus on opera and symphony concerts. It has hosted some of the greatest opera productions, with prestigious conductors and internationally renowned singers. The hall’s impeccable acoustics make it an ideal venue for high-level musical performances.
Since 1991, it has hosted the musical seasons of the Giovine Orchestra Genovese, a non-profit organization that advocates classical music concerts, but with an innovative spirit.
It is located next to Piazza De Ferrari, near the monument of Giuseppe Garibaldi and the city’s iconic fountain.
- Address: Cardinal Siri Gallery, Passo Eugenio Montale, 4, 16121 Genoa GE
- Website: theatrocarlofelice.com
Politeama Genovese Theater
The Politeama Genovese has changed a lot over the years: established in 1825, it was initially a simple wooden theater. Before long it became an open arena capable of holding about 30,000 people.
World War II did not spare it either: in fact, the structure was half destroyed by British bombing in the early 1940s.
It is only thanks to architect Dante Datta that the Politeama lives on today: thanks to the reconstruction that took place at his hands in 1955, it continues to exist in the neoclassical building next to Corvetto Square.
This theater hosts events of various kinds, ranging from comedy to music, from classical ballets to comedy shows.Prominent among the conductors hosted by the Politeama Genovese is maestro Antonino Palminteri, who, in 1893, brought Giuseppe Verdi to the stage with his “Aida.”
The Politeama has contributed significantly to the cultural life of Genoa and the enrichment of the performing arts in the city. It has served as a meeting place for music, theater and dance lovers, promoting the enjoyment of the arts in the social fabric of Genoa.
- Address: Via Nicolò Bacigalupo, 2, 16122 Genoa GE
- Website: www.politeamagenovese.it
St. Augustine’s Theater (Teatro della Tosse)
The Sant’Agostino Theater dates back to 1702 on the initiative of Nicolò Maria Pallavicino, a nobleman who bought some land from the Durazzo family: it takes its name from the church of Sant’Agostino, since it was built near it.
Recognized as a public theater, it hosted the debut Niccolò Paganini with his 14 variations of “La Carmagnola.”
Although it managed not to compete with the Durazzo family’s Teatro del Falcone, thanks to the alternating performances between the two, the Teatro di Sant’Agostino lost its audience in the 1830s to the birth of the Carlo Felice.
This situation led to its closure.
In the years to come, however, it was recovered by a number of companies until 1986, when the Teatro della Tosse was established there, which allowed the structure to be restored through expansion projects: today it is the first multiplex theater complex in Italy.
Currently, it hosts events such as dances, concerts, readings, eccentric and contemporary performances.
- Address: Renato Negri Square, 6, 16123 Genoa GE
- Website: teatrodellatosse.it
Falcon Theater
Established before the Teatro della Tosse in 1600, the Teatro del Falcone was the first theater in Genoa.
Founded at the hands of Doge Gabriele Adorno, it began theatrical activities inside a newly acquired inn in 1602. Years later, the inn passed into the hands of the Durazzo family, which over the years restored and expanded it
By 1892, it fell into disuse as did the Teatro della Tosse, precisely because of the birth of the Carlo Felice, which took away its audience and became a place to store stage props.
The final blow came with the bombing of World War II, which damaged the roof and boxes: instead of renovating it, Monuments Superintendent Carlo Ceschi had a new structure built in its place in 1953, and since 2004 it has been home to temporary exhibitions.
- Address: Via Balbi, 10 16126 Genoa
Website: palazzorealegenova.beniculturali.it/teatro-del-falcone/
Where to stay
Just under a kilometer from the city center and a hundred meters from Brignole train station, Urban Flora is the perfect place for you to fully enjoy a visit to our beautiful city. With us you will experience a Scandinavian-modern look, where fresh and pleasant plants will make you enjoy as much relaxation as possible and for an unforgettable vacation. All rooms provide a private bathroom, smart TV and free Wi-Fi that will make you feel right at home. Book your room now or contact us to ask for more information.
