Things to see · Monuments and historic buildings
Teatro Francesco Stabile, Potenza
Potenza (Potenza)
Teatro Francesco Stabile, Potenza is in Potenza, province of Potenza. Opening hours: Open for performances; visits on open days. Admission: Tickets according to the programme; guided visits are often free.
- Tickets according to the programme; guided visits are often free.
- Open for performances; visits on open days.
About this place
The Teatro Francesco Stabile is the gem of piazza Mario Pagano, in the heart of Potenza, and one of the city’s landmarks. It is named after the composer Francesco Stabile (1801-1860), who lived in Potenza.
History
Work began in 1856, funded by a group of wealthy citizens and designed by the architects Enrico Alvino and Giuseppe Pisanti. The earthquake of 1857 halted the work for years; it resumed in 1865, and the theatre was inaugurated on 26 January 1881 with Verdi’s «La Traviata». In the twentieth century it was also used as an air-raid shelter. It was damaged by the 1980 earthquake, then restored and reopened.
What to see
• The horseshoe-shaped auditorium, inspired by the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, with stalls, boxes and gallery in red velvet: around 360 seats.
• The frescoed ceiling and the decorations of the boxes.
• The acoustics, excellent even from the highest seats.
How to visit
The theatre hosts the city’s drama and music season. On certain days it is possible to visit with staff, who tell its story floor by floor.
Useful information
• The theatre overlooks piazza Mario Pagano, along via Pretoria.
• A short walk away is the church of San Francesco.
