In this article, I present Venice's La Fenice theaterone of the most important buildings in Italian opera.
Here you'll find
- The history of Venice's La Fenice
- What you need to know to visit this theater
- The ticket price and what it includes
- What you can do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about La Fenice in Venice, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
La Fenice Venice: article summary
Venice's La Fenice, the theater that rose from the ashes
Visit Fenice (Le Phénix, in French) in Venice is an opera of major importance for the Serenissima, and one of Italy's 3 major theaters next to Naples' San Carlo and Milan's La Scala.
It was inaugurated May 16, 1792in place of the San Benedetto theater, which burned down in 1773 and was then the city's benchmark opera house. Soon, the greatest artists of Italian opera were performing here, presenting previously unpublished works.
At this time, opera was finally accessible to the general public and no longer reserved for wealthy Venetian families. a wider panel of spectators.
The lucky ones of the time were able to attend ballets, classical music concerts, plays and operas that would soon become classics. Among the masterpieces at La Fenice, including :
- Tancrède by Rossini (1813)
- Beatrice de Tende by Bellini (1833)
- Attila by Verdi (1846)
- Rigoletto by Verdi (1851)
- La traviata by Verdi (1853)
- The libertine's career by Stravinsky (1951)
Of vital importance for the emergence of italian art in the world and witness to the creative vivacity of Venice at the time, the theater la Fenice is a must-see building when you visit Venice.
Not only the interior is breathtakingI'll tell you more about it below, but its incredible story should delight fans of anecdotes.
An opera that lives up to its name
The Phoenix is a bird from Greek mythology, known for its rising from the ashes. And never has a building lived up to its name more than at La Fenice in Venice.
Rising from the ashes of the San Benedetto, La Fenice will twice to burn throughout its history.
A first fire ravaged the building on the night of December 13 to 14, 1836The fire lasted three days, sparing only the façade and glass roof. Less than a year later, the theater was back in operation and reopened, with the presentation of the opera Rosmunda in Ravenna by Giuseppe Lillo.
But human stupidity will lead to a new disaster. January 29, 1996This was the case when two electricians deliberately started a fire to avoid having to pay late penalties on work in progress. An aberration that once again makes Venice's Fenice disappear.
After much discussion about the form it should take for its reconstruction, it was decided to return it to its original state. its magnificence of 1837 and the opera house reopened on December 14, 2003 with the presentation of Inauguration of the house by Riccardo Muti.
The this version from Venice's La Fenice that you will see during your stay !
What does a visit to Venice's La Fenice include?
As you can imagine, Venice's La Fenice is one of the most visited buildings in the Serenissima, along with the Saint Mark's Basilica or that the Doge's Palace. To take advantage stress-freeI'd advise you to opt for a special ticket!
With this ticket, you can :
- Entering La Fenice without queuingThis is a real time-saver when you're only in town for a few days.
- Get an audio guide (via a downloadable app) that lets you discover the full history of La Fenice and the meaning of the wonders it contains
- Visit the theaterfrom the royal box to the stage, including, of course, the majestic main hall.
- Discover exhibitions which are sometimes held, with a comprehensive tribute in 2022 to Maria Callas and her career in Venice, of prime importance for the soprano.
La Fenice is one of the world's most beautiful operasWith its neo-classical style, it's one of the city's must-sees.
For a pictorial overview of its structure, take a look at the masterpiece's introductory scene Senso by Luchino Visconti at the heart of the theater!
How do I get to La Fenice?
La Fenice is located at the following address: Campo S. Fantin, 1965, 30124, Venice
You can get there easily with :
- Visit line 1 from vaporettoRialto Bridge, San Angelo, San Samuele or Piazza San Marco stops
- Visit Line 2 vaporetto, Rialto Bridge or Piazza San Marco stop
If you're thinking of using Venice's vaporetti to easily navigate the city's canals like a Venetian, I invite you to find out more at Vaporetto Venice Pass.
Fenice Venice: Rates, reservations, opening hours, practical information
Here's what you need to know before visiting La Fenice in Venice, to make the most of your visit.
Rates and booking
- Adult ticket (18-64 years): €12.65
- Reduced rate (over 65 / students under 26): 9.20 euros
- Family ticket (2 adults +1 child): 24 euros
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): 27 euros
- Free for children under 7
To take advantage of this special offer, book your visit online. Choose the date, and you'll receive your tickets immediately on your mobile devices. All you have to do is present them at the special ticket office.
Opening hours
You can visit Venice's Fenice every day, between 9:30am and 6pm.
However, depending on current performances and exhibitions, these times may be modified, with occasional closures on Mondays.
Useful info
This ticket does not give access to opera performancesconcerts and ballets.
What to see and do in the area
Thanks to its central location, Venice's La Fenice offers quick access to other major attractionssuch as :
- Visit place St Marcwith its impressive buildings, its pigeons and its proximity to the Grand Canal of Venice
- Visit St Mark's Basilicawhich you can discover from its impressive roof terrace or by visiting its monumental interior.
- Visit Bridge of Sighslinking the Doge's Palace to the prison
- Visit Venice Campanile the city's tallest building!
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Venice guide!
Leave a Reply