Make your way to Piazza del Giglio to find Teatro del Giglio, the city of Lucca’s cultural heart. Enjoy the greatest works of European classical music and operatic performances in an atmospheric, intimate setting.
The façade of the Teatro del Giglio is grand and stately, featuring arched doorways under pastel columns and white-framed windows that look out onto the quaint piazza. Enter and find a spectacular auditorium decorated with luxurious red velvet curtains, warm lighting and a startlingly high ceiling adorned with intricate gold designs.
Originally opening to much fanfare from the citizens of Lucca in 1675, the theater you see today dates from 1818 after a fire destroyed the original building. In 1985 the theater was recognised as a Teatro di Tradizione (Traditional Theatre), an honour bestowed only to the greatest cultural landmarks in Italy. See the stage that has for three centuries hosted some of the greatest musical, dance and drama performances in the country. The work of composers such as Verdi, Rossini and Bellini has been played within the theatre. Sense the energy of the most magical and legendary performers, who have won acclaim for their work here.
Classical music lovers will appreciate that Giacomo Puccini, one of the region’s most cherished composers, staged many of his operas here. To learn more about the wondrous teatro, visit the on-site library and discover antique books about theatre, music and Lucca. The collection has around 4,000 books as well as musical and video recordings and is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
The Teatro del Giglio divides its theatrical year into seasons. Attend the teatro at different times of the year and choose from a wealth of events celebrating the Lyrical Season, the Prose Season, the Dance Season and the season of concerts, Lucca in Musica.
Visit the Teatro del Giglio’s website to learn about the current events and buy tickets ahead of time. Incorporate the Teatro del Giglio into a walking tour of Lucca, which can also take in the Piazza Napoleone and the Duomo di San Martino. The theatre is located centrally and can be reached on foot. Some street parking is available in the area.
