Sferisterio di Macerata, Neoclassical open-air theatre in Macerata, Italy.
Sferisterio di Macerata is a neoclassical open-air theatre in the city of Macerata in central Italy. The long stage wall displays 56 arches with Doric columns forming a curved line along the edge of the arena.
Architect Ireneo Aleandri designed the theatre between 1820 and 1829 as a venue for the ball game Pallone col Bracciale. Starting in the 1920s, opera performances began here, transforming it into one of the most recognized open-air opera houses in Italy.
The building takes its name from an old ball game where players struck the ball against the high wall. Today you see opera-goers in elegant dress gathering in the arcaded walkways before evening performances during summer.
Visitors can tour the theatre during the season or attend an opera performance in July and August. The seating rows are open to the sky, so warm clothing is advisable for cooler summer evenings.
The right angle of the wall was originally meant for bouncing the ball and now naturally improves sound distribution across the entire space. The acoustics are considered so exceptionally good that even quiet tones reach the back rows.
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