Teatro Regio: rich in history and traction

The Teatro Regio, considered , one of the most famous Italian opera theaters, was created by the will of the Duchess Maria Luigia d’Asburgo-Lorena, wife of Napoleone, sent to rule the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla after the Congress of Vienna. Work began in 1821 on a project by the court architect Nicola Bettoli, the Theatre opens on 16 May 1829 with Zaira, a play by Vincenzo Bellini to a libretto by Felice Romani. Built in neoclassical style, with a facade characterized by an Ionic colonnade, the atrium leads to the Hall of the Foyer, punctuated by two rows of four columns, on the floor of which are visible the trapdoors from which the heating was spread. A staircase leads to the Sala del Ridotto, where the royal stage of Maria Luigia was, which could be accessed directly from the rooms of the Palazzo Ducale through an exclusive path. Passing the Foyer leads to the elliptical stalls, decorated with G. Magnani in 1853, surrounded by four tiers of boxes and the gallery. The room is surmounted by the ceiling painted by Giovanni Battista Borghesi in which, arranged in a circle around the astroflash, the large chandelier in gilded bronze forged by the workshops Lacarrière in Paris.

At the top, a “light” clock, which marks the hour of five in five minutes, is placed in the center of the architrave of the proscenium. The painted curtain, one of the few surviving examples, is also the work of the Borghesi: a populated allegory of Wisdom, with Minerva enthroned surrounded by gods, nymphs, poets and muses shows, in the likeness of the goddess, the portrait of Maria Luigia. You can visit the Teatro Regio di Parma with a guide who illustrates its characteristics and traces its history. The visit lasts about 30 minutes and includes the entrance to the Sala del Foyer, the audience (except for rehearsals, auditions or shows) and the Sala del Ridotto. The tailoring workshops, the scenography room, the orchestra’s rehearsal room, the dressing rooms and the stage reveal themselves to enthusiasts and curious people who can access places normally not open to the public. The backstage visit of the Teatro Regio di Parma is reserved, by reservation, for groups of a limited number of people, for a minimum of two, and will be carried out by qualified multilingual staff of the Foundation. The duration of the visit is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Every year the Opera Season and the Verdi Festival take place, with the participation of internationally renowned artists.

Discover the other places not to be missed in Parma

Duomo e battistero

Along with the Baptistery, Parma Cathedral is one of the most important monuments of the city for its beauty and historical importance.

Ducal Park

It has always been the “garden” of Parma. Built in 1561 as a private park, it was opened to the public only after the unification of Italy.

Pilotta Palace

Immense complex that takes its name from the game of Pelota, houses inside, among other things, the magnificent Palatine Library.

Palatina Library

The Palatina Library of Parma is a public library located inside the Palazzo della Pilotta. The name originates from the temple of Apollo Palatine of Rome.

Farnese Theatre

Built in 1618 on the first floor of Palazzo Pilotta, the theatre is made entirely of wood and decorated with faux marble.

Sanctuary Santa Maria della Steccata

The church of the Steccata, a splendid example of Parmesan Renaissance architecture, was built on land that was once revered for a popular religious tradition.

Governor’s Palace and Piazza Garibaldi

Ideal location for temporary exhibitions and exhibitions, the Governor’s Palace dominates the central Piazza Garibaldi in Parma and tells a story that goes back
over 700 years ago.

Regio Theatre