We love theatre and we enjoy acting .
In Florence there are two important theatres: Pergola and Niccolini.
Pergola is a historic opera house.
It is located in the centre of the city on Via della Pergola from which the theatre takes its name.
It was built in 1656 under the patronage of Cardinale Giancarlo De Medici, designed by the architect Ferdinando Tacca . Its inaugural production was the opera buffa “ Il podestà di Colognole” . The theatre is considered to be the oldest in Italy , having occupied the same place for more then 350 years.
It has two auditoria : the sala Grande with 1500 seats and the Saloncino with 400 seats .
The interior was finished in 1661 , in time for the celebration of the wedding of the future grand duke Cosimo 3rd De’Medici with the court spectacle Ercole in Tebe .
Primarily was a court theatre used by the grand Duke of Tuscany. It was only after 1718 that it was opened to the public .
Pergola’s present appearance dates back to 1855-57 . It was declared a national monument in 1825 . Today the theatre presents about 280drama production each year, raging from Molier toTunnel Simon. Opera is only presented there during the annual Maggio Musicale Fiorenino.
Margherita Guelfi Marta Parilla
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