Teatro di San Carlo, Opera house in Naples, Italy
Teatro di San Carlo is an opera house in central Naples and ranks among the oldest continuously active theaters in Europe. The auditorium follows a horseshoe layout, with rows of red velvet seating, gilded ornaments, and ceiling frescoes depicting mythological scenes.
Giovanni Antonio Medrano and Angelo Carasale designed the building, which opened in 1737. After a fire in 1816, King Ferdinand IV ordered the interior rebuilt and expanded within just nine months.
The house takes its name from King Charles VII of Naples, who commissioned its construction. Visitors today still see the royal coat of arms above the stage and can view the ruler's box positioned directly opposite the performance area.
Tours run daily and allow access to the auditorium, royal box, and entrance foyer. Visitors planning to attend a performance should book ahead, as seating is limited.
The building was completed in less than a year, which was remarkably fast for the period. The acoustics benefit from wooden paneling on the walls and the special shape of the ceiling, requiring no electronic amplification.
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