Royal Theatre

You’re now standing in Plaza de la Ópera. In front of you is the Teatro Real — Madrid’s Royal Theatre, commissioned by Queen Isabella II, whose statue is at the centre of the square, giving the theatre its “Royal” name. It was inaugurated in 1818 and even hosted Verdi in 1863. What really sets this theatre apart isn’t its exterior, but its interior. The stage is enormous, covering 1,472 square metres, and features 18 movable platforms, allowing for complex set changes and ambitious staging possibilities. Today, the Teatro Real is Spain’s leading opera house and a major player on the international stage. In 2021, it was awarded Best Opera Company by the International Opera Awards, in recognition of its excellent artistic programming. If you’ve ever thought about seeing an opera — this could be the perfect place to start.