Teatro Olimpico
Palladio's final masterpiece and the oldest surviving indoor theatre in the world. The fixed wooden street set on the stage, with its perspective depth, is breathtaking.
Palladio designed the Teatro Olimpico in 1580. After his death, Vincenzo Scamozzi completed it. It opened in 1585 with a performance of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, and it is the oldest surviving covered indoor theatre. The semi-elliptical wooden tiered seating imitates a Roman theatre, and the ceiling is painted to look like the sky. The most astonishing feature is the fixed stage set designed by Scamozzi. Looking through the three arches, you see the seven streets of the city of Thebes. Clever use of perspective creates an illusion of depth of several dozen metres. The theatre still stages classical plays and concerts. The entrance is opposite the Palazzo Chiericati on Piazza Matteotti. A combined ticket covers several museums in the city.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun approx. 09:00–17:00 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Palazzo Chiericati
- Church of Santa Corona
- Gallerie d'Italia – Palazzo Leoni Montanari
- Basilica Palladiana & Piazza dei Signori
- Palladio Museum
- Corso Palladio
- Vicenza Cathedral
- Basilica of Monte Berico