Teatro di San Carlo, Naples: history and visit

The San Carlo Theatre, in Naples

The San Carlo Theatre is the famous opera house of Naples, considered the oldest opera house still in activity of Europe. The Naples audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this temple of the lyric art, a pride of the town and a high place of music.

The oldest opera house of Europe in activity

The San Carlo Theatre is one of the most prestigious opera houses of the world. Inaugurated in 1737, under the reign of King Charles of Bourbon, it is considered the oldest opera house of Europe still in activity. Its sumptuous hall is a masterpiece of Italian-style theatrical architecture, with its six rows of gilded boxes, its royal box and its painted ceiling, in dazzling red and gold tones. Renowned for its exceptional acoustics, the San Carlo welcomed the greatest composers, singers and conductors, and created numerous major works of the repertoire. A symbol of the musical influence of Naples, this temple of opera remains a leading opera stage.

What to see

You admire the opera house inaugurated in 1737, the oldest of Europe in activity, its sumptuous hall with six rows of gilded boxes, its royal box and its painted ceiling in red and gold tones, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. The San Carlo Theatre is a temple of the lyric art in Naples. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The San Carlo Theatre lies in the heart of Naples, near the Royal Palace and the Galleria Umberto I, reachable on foot and by public transport. You admire its façade from outside; the visits of the hall and the shows follow their own programme and hours, which vary. It is best to check the agenda before coming.

Why is the San Carlo Theatre of Naples famous?

Inaugurated in 1737, it is considered the oldest opera house of Europe still in activity; its sumptuous hall with gilded boxes and its exceptional acoustics make it one of the temples of the world lyric art.