La Fenice Theatre: a story of “rebirth” in the magical Venice

La Fenice as a symbol of a wonderful musical culture that travels through the centuries

The tradition of opera theatre in Italy is one of the greatest sources of pride for the Belpaese. When then a historic theater is located in a unique city in the world, visiting it becomes an absolute must. Such is the case with the Teatro la Fenice, located in beautiful Venice, an enchanted city that has fascinated visitors from all over the world for centuries. This extraordinary building is a symbol of the Venetian musical and cultural tradition and is therefore an unmissable stop for those who wish to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a venue that brings together elegance and love of music.

Inaugurated on May 16, 1792 during the religious Feast of the Sensa (ascension in Venetian), La Fenice Theater is one of the most important opera houses in the world and one of the best-known symbols of Venice.

Its history begins in the late 18th century, when a group of Venetian citizens decided to build a theater that would match the city's grandeur. After its opening, La Fenice quickly became the ideal stage for opera music and world premieres by composers such as Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Verdi, and Stravinsky.

During Napoleonic rule, La Fenice instead took on the function of a state theater and used to host prominent personalities of the time.

As the name suggests, La Fenice is a theater reborn several times after terrible fires had destroyed it over the centuries. The first was in 1836 and caused very serious damage to the structure. The second fire, which was arson in nature, occurred instead in 1996. It seemed that this second tragedy had produced enough damage to make a renovation impossible, but instead La Fenice was able to revive once again and the theater was reopened in 2003.

The activities of La Fenice Theater continue to this day, and every year there is a full calendar of operas, ballets, concerts and cultural events. The atmosphere inside La Fenice is unparalleled: a perfect blend of architecture, sound and light. Inside, the theater is decorated with gilded stucco and frescoes depicting mythological scenes and a series of elegant loggias and balconies that frame the main stage. The most apt term to describe this theater is certainly majestic.

The construction has been designed to ensure perfect acoustics in every place in the hall, and no detail has been left to chance.

Useful information for visiting the La Fenice Theatre

To purchase tickets, subscriptions and find out about programming, visit the theatre's official website. Prices vary depending on the type of event and location of the venue. Reductions are available for students, seniors and groups.

Guided tours of the theatre are available throughout the year, including in LIS sign language. For detailed information on opening hours day by day, it is always best to refer to the above website where they are constantly updated throughout the months.

The theatre also houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to soprano Maria Callas and her years in Venice.

How to get to La Fenice Theatre 

The Teatro La Fenice is located in the heart of Venice, in a location that makes it easily accessible both on foot and by public transportation.

If you arrive from the Venice Santa Lucia train station, the La Fenice Theatre is about a 20- to 25-minute walk away, taking a fascinating route through the canals and characteristic Venetian alleyways. Once out of the station, head towards the Ponte degli Scalzi bridge, crossing the Canal Grande. After crossing the bridge, follow Corso del Popolo, which will guide you to the Rialto Bridge. From here continue until you reach Campo San Fantin, where the main entrance to La Fenice Theatre is located.

If you prefer to use public transportation, you can take a vaporetto.

From Piazzale Roma and the train station 'Santa Lucia'- line 1 or line 2 you have to take the “Direction Rialto, San Marco and Lido.” More specific and always up-to-date information can be found on the ACTV website.

From Venice 'Marco Polo' Airport - Alilaguna public service.

If you are on the 'orange line', get off at Rialto, while if you are on the 'blue line', get off at San Marco (Vallaresso). You can find detailed info on the ALILAGUNA website.

If you arrive in Venice by bus you will almost certainly find yourself at Piazzale Roma, the main transport terminal. Even from here you can choose to take a short walk or use the vaporetto. The final destination is always Campo San Fantin, where the Fenice is located.

FAQs about La Fenice Theatre

How much does the ticket cost to visit La Fenice Theatre?

The full ticket price to visit La Fenice is 12 euros, but there are reductions for the over-65s and students up to 26 years old.

How to make reservations at La Fenice Theatre?

You can buy tickets for performances directly at the theatre's box office, while regarding guided tours and other needs (groups, personalized guides, etc.) you should refer to the official website of La Fenice Theatre.

What to see at Teatro La Fenice?

In addition to performances, La Fenice Theatre offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore its architecture. During guided tours, you can admire the stage, the gilded loggias, the concert hall, and the elegant frescoes that decorate the theater's interior.

Can you enter during a performance that has already started?

Entry to the Theatre is from 45 minutes before the start of the performance. Once the performance has started, it is no longer possible to enter the theater until the first intermission. You must wait in the Foyer for the theater staff to escort you to your seat.

How does one dress to go to Teatro La Fenice?

One must dress up while tank tops, shorts and flip-flops are absolutely not allowed. The openings of the Opera and Symphonic seasons require grand evening clothes.

How many seats does La Fenice Theatre have?

La Fenice has 1126 seats in total.

Where to park to go to the La Fenice Theatre in Venice?

Venice is a car-free city, but you can park your vehicle at Parking Piazzale Roma or Parking Tronchetto and then continue by vaporetto or on foot to get to the theater.

What to do in case of high water?

The Theatre is located in one of the lowest parts of the city of Venice with respect to sea level. Boots are therefore recommended with 100 cm of expected tide. Performances are suspended in case of an exceptional tide above 140cm on the middle sea.

What to see near La Fenice Theatre

Every corner of Venice is worth seeing, because getting lost among the streets and waterways of this unique city is an experience to be had at least once in a lifetime. If you have decided to visit the magnificent Fenice Theatre and want to devote some of your time to other fascinating places in the surrounding area as well, you should definitely pay a visit to the world-famous Piazza San Marco.

This is the only real square in Venice, where you will find the Basilica of the same name and the famous Doge's Palace. Then there is the iconic Piazza dell'Orologio, some important museums such as the Correr and the Archeological, and the striking columns of San Marco and San Teodoro.

For those who want to treat themselves to a luxurious and unforgettable break, there is the historic Caffè Florian, an authentic wonder where you will feel as if you are going back in time. Venice and its theater are waiting for you!