Want to spend your next holiday in southern Italy? Visiting the San Carlo Theatre in Naples is a must-see to take your eyes, so follow the guide!
The San Carlo Theatre of Naples is an architectural masterpiece of all beauty that must be visited during a stay in the region of Campania, south west of Italy. It is the oldest lyrical theatre-opera still active to date and one of the most prestigious in Europe. Built in 1737, he has been hosting the most famous opera singers and many performances are held regularly. If it is impressive from the outside, the interior is even more sumptuous, with a velvet decor in red and gold colours. Every day, guided tours are organized to visit the San Carlo Theatre.
Whether you are a theatre or just a tourist in Naples, this monument is a must to see. Tickets, rates and schedules, we tell you everything you want to know about this building full of history.
History of the San Carlo Theatre
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Isogood_patrick
The San Carlo Theatre was erected in 1737 at the request of the King Charles Bourbon III who wanted to make Naples a city of power. At the time, the main theatre was Teatro San Bartolomeo (now transformed into a church), which quickly left its place to the one we all know. It is under the direction of the director of this former theatre and Spanish architect Giovanni Antonio Medrano that San Carlo was built in just eight months. On November 4, 1737, the inauguration took place.
Opera A chille in Sciro de Pietro Metastasio was the first representation. Over the years, several major renovation projects have been carried out. First, for the marriage of the king of Naples in 1767 , then for the restructuring of the façade to the neoclassical style in 1809 by Antonio Niccolini . But on February 13, 1816, a fire occurred, ravaged much of the building. This same architect is responsible for the reconstruction. Nine months later, the monument seems to have kept all its authenticity, plus a royal lodge. Today, the historic monument is classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The large room has six floors of lodges and can accommodate 1,300 people arranged by horseshoe. Many events take place throughout the year: theatre plays, dance ballets, singing recitals, but also exhibitions, conferences and private receptions.
What to see and do at the San Carlo Theatre in Naples?
Photo credit: Instagram – saragison
The historic hall
This is the main room, where all the players play representations For 300 years. The decor is just sumptuous, with its red and gold colors that make this room in the shape of a horse a luxurious and warm place. On the ceiling you can see a beautiful fresco made by Giuseppe Cammarano . It is Apollo who presents the most famous poets to Athena. The show room has six floors of lodges, with a capacity of 1,300 seats. The spectators of the Royal Lodge have the privilege of having the best location in front of the stage.
Ice gallery
This modern room, also called the Foyer or Salone degli Specchi , is reserved for major events and receptions . Ideal for a wedding, it also regularly welcomes the general public during dinners, conferences or days of solidarity. Its capacity is 300 seated seats and 700 standing. Why is she called an ice gallery? Just because on the walls there are many mirrors. Just look through the window to observe the gardens of the Royal Palace of Naples .
The Scaturchio coffee opera
To visit the San Carlo theatre, you have to take the time to immerse yourself in the places. For this, what better than to restore to the Scaturchio coffee opera, located in the entrance hall. The San Carlo Theatre and the Neapolitan pastry Scaturchio open the doors of this elegant living room, open every day from 8am to 9pm. Before or after the visit, a small coffee, an aperitif or a lunch will make you the greatest good.
MEMUS
The museum of memory and open music since 2011, is worth a visit if you want to know more about the history of the San Carlo theatre in Naples. It brings together all historical archives on a surface of 300 square meters. There are exhibitions, a virtual 3D gallery, a bookstore and a meeting room. If you are interested, you can also consult a lot of multimedia documents and testimonies.
How to go to the San Carlo Theatre in Naples?
The exact address of the San Carlo Theatre is: via San Carlo, 98 / F, 80132 Naples . It is located in the district of San Ferdinando, close to the Piazza de Plescito and the Royal Palace.
From France
It is Naples International Airport, Cadopichino, which serves southern Italy. It is located seven kilometers northeast of the city. From Paris, it takes 2h15 to fly. At certain times, the prices of the airline tickets can really be interesting, which is why it is best to make a comparison on Ulysses , the indispensable tool to book your ticket at the best price.
Then, once on site, several options are possible to reach the centre of Naples, then the theatre-opera.
- Shuttle
It regularly passes and drops tourists to different places in the city, including up to accommodation. There is also a shuttle from Alibus Airport that joins strategic points for public transport.
- By car
car rental allows you to be autonomous, it is useful especially if you want to discover the surroundings. However, traffic is dense in Naples. If you opt for the taxi, consider asking, or even negotiating the price before the trip.
From Naples
In public transport, here is the closest stop to the theatre:
- Bus R2 (from the central station), stop San Carlo or R3 (from Mergellina Station), stop Piazza Municipio
- Metro Line 1, stop Toledo
- Funicular : the central, stop Augusto
San Carlo Theatre Times and Prices
Photo credit: Shutterstock / MZeta
To visit the San Carlo Theatre, two possibilities are available to you. Well, you're seeing one representation , or you do it guided tour lasting 45 minutes .
Of course, the first option is certainly the best if you really want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the room. Especially since the rates are reasonable and vary according to the representation and the day of the week. You will see, the Napolitans are dynamic spectators.
If opera and theatre are not your cup of tea, the guided tour should fill you.
HORARI
Theatre
The theatre is open daily, from 10:00 to 17:15 , the last admission being 16:30.
Guided tours
The visits are made mandatory with a guide in French, English or Italian, depending on the schedule:
- French : one visit per week, Saturday at 5pm
- English 11:30 and 15:30
- Italian 10:30, 12:30, 14:30 and 16:30
Note : Count about 45 minutes for the visit. It is advisable to book. A visit to the MeMUS theatre multimedia museum is also possible.
RATES
Guided tour
- Adult : 9 €
- Under 30 years and over 60 years : 7 €
MATTERS
Is there a clothing outfit required?
You don’t have to wear fancy clothes, with dress or costume. The most important thing is to feel comfortable, while adopting a correct outfit.
Is there handicapped access?
Yes, the entrance is made by Piazza Trieste e Trento. There are ramps and lifts specially designed for armchairs. Persons with a disability of 100 per cent are free of charge. In this case, the attendant must take a ticket at the normal rate.
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