Teatro Fraschini

Teatro Fraschini is an opera house in Pavia featuring a bell-shaped auditorium designed to carry sound clearly throughout the space. Multiple tiers of red seating rise from the parterre, and the interior is decorated with gilded details and ornate architectural elements.

Antonio Galli da Bibiena designed the building between 1771 and 1773 for local noble families who commissioned the work. The theater received its name in the mid-1800s in honor of Gaetano Fraschini, a celebrated tenor born in the city.

The theater hosts a regular program of opera, drama, concerts, and ballet from October through January that draws local audiences. The red velvet seating and ornate interior spaces reflect the tastes of the community that gathers here for performances.

The theater is open to visitors mainly during performances and scheduled events throughout the season. Planning your visit around the performance calendar will give you the best opportunity to see the interior.

The building was constructed as one of the rare works by Antonio Galli da Bibiena in the Po Valley, an architect better known for designing theatrical sets. His approach to stage design shaped how he conceived the auditorium itself, making this a distinctive achievement in his career.

Location: Pavia

Inception: 1773

Architects: Antonio Galli da Bibiena

Official opening: 1773

Website: https://teatrofraschini.it

GPS coordinates: 45.18852,9.15618

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:08