History
Opened in 1792, the Theatre distilled and condensed a long and prestigious sequence of curtain calls and performances. Behind it, the city's tradition of dozens and dozens of competing theatres which made Venice one of Europe's most dynamic and stimulating theatrical contexts.
The new theatre immediately stood out for the quality of the performances staged there, taking up a position as one of the most important European shop windows for acting and music.
Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti composed works expressly dedicated to the La Fenice Theatre which became irrevocably linked to the masterpieces which brought its stages to life.
Its name was chosen by the Nobile Società dei Palchettisti, expelled from the San Benedetto Theatre, a name which expresses the idea of rebirth and perpetual renewal. However, the name became the presage of a particularly tormented story.
The first devastating fire dates from 1836. The unfortunate circumstance consolidated the bond with the city and reinforced the love of the Venetians who have always appreciated the La Fenice Theatre for the variety and artistic value of the events staged there.
The Venice community closed around its theatre again when it was seriously damaged in 1996. And once again, they mobilised to ensure that, just as in the legend, the extraordinary creature, set alight by the sun's rays, could rise from its own ashes.
Activities and services
The La Fenice Theatre will this year be the venue for the 2007/2008 Symphony Season, the 2008 Opera and Ballet Season, performances in the "La Fenice per la Città" cycle and numerous other events.
Various types of guided tour of the La Fenice Theatre are also available and you can hire rooms for events, dinners, cocktails, etc.
Location
The Theatre is a few minutes from Piazza San Marco and can be easily reached in just eight minutes from the Rialto landing stage and five minutes from the Santa Maria del Giglio landing stage.