VERDI THEATRE

Located in the Rocca Pallavicini, dating from 1250, the theatre was built during the great composer's lifetime and inaugurated in 1868 with a performance of Rigoletto followed by Un ballo in maschera. The Maestro did not take part in its inauguration, however: Verdi was opposed to the project, which he considered too costly and useless for the future. A fine example of Italian-style theatre, with three levels of dressing rooms and 300 seats, a frescoed ceiling and a large chandelier, it hosts the annual international Voci Verdiane competition.