Teatro Comunale, Theatre in Piazza Duomo, Atri, Italy
The Teatro Comunale, also called Teatro Piceno, stands on Piazza Duomo facing the cathedral. Its neoclassical facade is divided into Doric and Ionic orders and topped by a Greek-style pediment. The horseshoe-shaped hall, dating to the late 18th century, has three tiers of 38 boxes and a gallery for 200 spectators.
The theatre stands on the site of the church of Sant'Andrea and the Jesuit college, suppressed and expelled from the Kingdom. In 1857 the canon Martini commissioned architect Nicola Mezucelli of Teramo with a project; lack of funds delayed work, and a new design by Francesco Consorti was built from 1872. It opened in 1881 with Verdi's Un ballo in maschera.
The stage curtain carries a painted portrait of the Roman emperor Hadrian, who was born in Hatria, the ancient name of Atri. The vault fresco by Giustino Di Giacomo shows the muse Euterpe, symbol of melody, riding a chariot of winged horses among revellers playing instruments.
The theatre sits on Piazza Duomo, where you can easily view its facade from the plaza in front of it. When planning a visit, check what performances are scheduled, as shows take place at different times throughout the year.
The stage curtain carries a painted portrait of the Roman emperor Hadrian, who was born in Hatria, the ancient name of Atri. The ceiling fresco by Giustino Di Giacomo shows the muse Euterpe on a chariot of winged horses, surrounded by revellers playing instruments.
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