Ciro Pinsuti Municipal Theater
A little jewel in the historic center of Sinalunga
The Ciro Pinsuti Municipal Theater is a little jewel located in the historic center of Sinalunga and is a perfect example of an Italian-style theater.
The oldest source indicating the existence of a early theater in this location is a 1755 document on the history of the Accademia degli Smantellati, a literary academy in Sinalunga that met up in the premises formerly owned by the Compagnia Laicale di Santa Croce.
The existence of a theater inside the building is confirmed by all the minutes that were taken annually at the Council meeting, although there is no description.
In 1774, ideas for its renewal took shape in Sinalunga. These ideas later led the public administration to commission architect Leonardo Del Vegni, the esteemed designer of the Teatro degli Astrusi in Montalcino, to build a new theater on the town's main square.
His project was deemed too ambitious for the size and possibilities of the population of Sinalunga, so his designs were later reworked by the academic Gianpaolo Terrosi, on behalf of the Accademia degli Smantellati, and the theater was finally inaugurated in 1807.
Further work on the building took place in the late 19th century and led to a second inauguration in 1885, when it was also named after composer Ciro Pinsuti (1828 - 1888), a former member of the Academy.
In the early twentieth century, the cafeteria area, kitchen and dance hall were purchased.
After the First World War and the advent of cinema, the theater began a long decline that culminated in 1984, when it was declared unfit for use.
In 2002, the building was purchased by the city government that, with a considerable recovery project, allowed it to reopen.
Today the theater is horseshoe-shaped with 36 boxes distributed in three tiers and is richly adorned with decorations focusing on mythological themes. A particularly vibrant place, thanks to the presence of amateur dramatic and musical societies.
In the early 20th century, the premises of the cafeteria, kitchen and ballroom were purchased. Following this flourishing period came the First World War and the advent of cinema which led the theatre along a period of slow decline that culminated in 1984, when it was declared unfit for use. In 2002, it was bought by the municipal administration who undertook a substantial recovery project that enabled its reopening.
The interior of the theatre has a horseshoe shape with 36 boxes distributed on three levels, and is richly decorated with mythological themes. In this way, Sinalunga came to be equipped with one of the most beautiful theatres in southern Tuscany, enlivened by amateur dramatics and music companies.
