Log in
Outdoor opera has become a tradition for travelers to Italy. As the sun sets, the stage is lit. Excitement fills the summer air. Open air venues in Italy present popular, crowd-pleasing operas with large scale sets filling their larger than life spaces.
Performances normally begin at 9pm in the evening to allow opera goers to enjoy the sunset and for more controlled lighting of the stage. Below are some of the venues presenting outdoor opera programs in the summer months.
Terme di Caracalla - Rome
A popular place for travelers to be in Rome during the summer, Teatro dell'Opera presents its a two-month Rome summer opera season within the walls of the ancient Roman spa complex. Three operas are normally staged as well as one or two ballets featuring acclaimed principal dancers. >
Arena di Verona
This gigantic outdoor venue in Verona, Italy can seat as many as 15,000 people at one time. The number of performances is extensive, almost daily between June and August with a handful of shows into September. With stunning sets and props, performances at the ancient amphitheater aim for inspiring awe in audience goers. Live animals on stage and enormous set pieces are the norm.
Teatro dei Quattromila?- Torre del Lago
Teatro dei Quattromila?is the home of the Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago, near Lucca and Pisa in Tuscany. The Puccini Festival of Torre del Lago first began in 1930 at the behest of composer Giacomo Puccini, who once lived in the region.
Sferisterio di Macerata
Macerata is located in Le Marche region of Italy. The open-air opera performances are held in July and August at the Sferisterio arena, built in 1820 originally as a sports stadium.
Villa Rufolo - Ravello
A beautiful spot on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, Villa Rufolo in Ravello has been the destination of many famous composers and conductors, from Wagner and Verdi, Arturo Toscanini and Leonard Bernstein. Most performances are held outdoors on a stage overlooking the sea, although some performances are held within the Villa.
