The Teatro di San Carlo in Naples is jaw-droppingly beautiful. The classic concert hall with its fresco ceiling is everything you would expect from a grand European opera house from the 18th century, and more.
The “Real Teatro di San Carlo” was built during the reign of Charles III of Bourbon. “Real” means “Royal," as the king had it connected to his grand palace. After Naples voted to join the unified Kingdom of Italy under the House of Savoy, the Piazza del Plebiscito was designed around these two royal buildings.
The theater’s lavish interior with red velvet, gilded statues and heavy curtains attest that much was spent to make this stage a talking point in the whole of Europe. The building was inaugurated in 1737, making it one of the world’s oldest-working opera theaters.
Many visitors to Naples join a tour of the theater during the daytime and also attend a concert at night to get the full experience.
Hear the history of this majestic building during the guided tour of the theater. Enjoy the chance to take a seat in the Royal Box and learn why it is surrounded by mirrors. Find out why one of the greatest opera singers of all time, a local man named Enrico Caruso, vowed never to perform here.
Opera fans will be interested to learn that some of Gioachino Rossini’s most popular operas were first performed on Teatro di San Carlo’s stage. If you’re lucky enough to come here for a show, arrive early to enjoy a coffee beforehand and to admire the decor. The shop and café open again during the interval.
The opera season runs from late January to May and the ballet season from April to early June. You can buy your tour, show and play tickets online, through the theater’s official website. For the major concerts, it’s recommended to book well in advance. Be aware that not every guided tour offered on the website is in English. Tours generally last about 45 minutes.
