Manoel Theatre, Opera house and theatre from 1732 in Valletta, Malta
Manoel Theatre is an opera house and theatre building in Valletta from the early 18th century, featuring an oval-shaped hall. The interior has three levels of hand-carved wooden boxes decorated with gold leaf and seats around 623 people in total.
A Grand Master commissioned the building of this public theatre in 1731, and it underwent name changes before receiving its current title. Over the years it evolved from a venue for elite entertainment to a theatre serving different audiences.
The venue carries the name of the Grand Master who commissioned it, reflecting Malta's connection to European artistic life. Visitors experience a space where the local community has gathered for centuries to share performances and cultural moments.
The venue hosts a varied programme throughout the year with operas, plays, concerts, and guided tours available to visitors. It is helpful to check ahead for current offerings, as performances and tour schedules change regularly.
The building ranks among Europe's oldest continuously operating theatres and holds special significance in the island's cultural history. Its continuity over more than two centuries makes it a notable example of cultural persistence in the Mediterranean.
Location: Valletta
Inception: 1732
Official opening: 1732
Capacity: 623
Address: 115 Old Theatre Street
Phone: +35621222618
Website: http://teatrumanoel.com.mt
GPS coordinates: 35.89983,14.51282
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
Malta combines thousands of years of history with varied coastal landscapes across a compact island area of 122 square miles (316 square kilometers). The capital Valletta contains major structures including the Co-Cathedral of St. John with its Caravaggio paintings, the National Museum of Archaeology, and the 18th-century Manoel Theatre. The city displays baroque architecture and military installations from the Knights of Malta period. The Neolithic temple complexes rank among the world's oldest freestanding stone structures. Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra near Qrendi date from around 3600 to 3200 BC, while the Ġgantija temples on Gozo are even older. The Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola is an underground necropolis with multiple chambers. The Tarxien temples show decorated stone blocks and reliefs. The coastline offers different formations: the Dingli Cliffs reach 830 feet (253 meters) in height, while the Blue Grotto near Qrendi features sea caves with turquoise water. The Blue Lagoon on Comino has shallow, clear water. Golden Bay near Mellieħa is a sandy beach. Fort Rinella in Kalkara preserves an 1884 Armstrong gun. The medieval town of Mdina and the Citadel in Victoria on Gozo display fortress architecture from different periods.
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