Things to do in Milan

Teatro alla Scala di Milano

The Teatro alla Scala is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Its sober exterior appearance envelops an old beauty that does not cease to amaze its visitors.

When a fire destroyed the old Theater Ducale in 1776, the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria ordered the construction of a new one. The theater was built in the place where the Church of Santa Maria alla Scala was located, which would give name to the new theater of the city.

Like other theaters of the time, Teatro alla Scala also functioned as a casino for some time.

In 1943, during World War II, the bombings seriously damaged the theater, which three years later would be rebuilt. In 2002 the theater closed its doors again for its renovation and in 2004 was reinaugurado with the first work that was represented in 1778, L'Europa Riconosciuta de Salieri.

The Teatro della Scala has been the premiere venue for important operas throughout history, such as Otello and Nabucco by Verdi, or Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini.

The great composer Giuseppe Verdi had a very close relationship with La Scala, although for many years he refused to be represented there as he was convinced that the orchestra modified his compositions.

The theater has a museum composed of a large collection of paintings, busts, costumes and different elements related to the world of opera.

The tour includes a visit to the grand hall of the theater, a harmonious stay but with little decoration. After this, it is possible to access the small boxes covered in red velvet from which the high society contemplated the works, just as today continues to be done.

The huge auditorium, made of wood covered with red velvet, is decorated with stuccos decorated in golden tones. Crowning the scene is a huge glass chandelier bohemia composed of 383 light bulbs.