Royal Opera House, Opera house in Malta
The Royal Opera House is an opera house in Valletta designed by English architect Edward Middleton Barry, with parts of its original facade, columns, and stonework still standing. Today these remains frame a modern open-air stage built between the historic structures.
The opera house opened in 1866 and was counted among the finest theaters across the Mediterranean region. German bombardment in April 1942 during World War II destroyed most of the structure.
The square bears the Maltese name Pjazza Teatru Rjal and recalls the building's former role as a social meeting place where people gathered. Today performances happen in the open air, framed by the preserved columns and walls.
The ruins sit at the heart of Valletta near Republic Street and are accessible throughout the day. You can walk freely through the remaining structures to get a sense of how the space once looked.
The site lay neglected for decades until 2013 when architects designed a new stage nestled within the historic remains. The preserved arches and columns deliberately blend past and present, creating an unusual performance space.
Location: Valletta
Inception: 1866
Architects: Edward Middleton Barry
Official opening: 1866
Capacity: 1295
Website: https://culture.gov.mt/en/pjazzateatrurjal/Pages/main.aspx
GPS coordinates: 35.89644,14.51034
Latest update: December 8, 2025 08:21
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