Teatro Goldoni in Livorno
A historical theatre that survived periods of change and war
The neoclassical façade with its triangular tympanum and portico stands out among the buildings in the centre of Livorno. Teatro Goldoni, despite numerous bombings in the Second World War, managed to rise again as the largest theatrical space in the city.
Its history dates back to the 19th century, specifically 1842, when the businessmen Francesco and Alessandro Caporali decided to "erect a new and extraordinary theatre". For four years, the works continued and in 1847 it was inaugurated as the "Imperiale e Regio Teatro Leopoldo" in honor of the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo II of Lorraine.
After a few years, it passed from owner to owner, restoration works were begun, and it's name was changed to Regio Teatro Goldoni in 1860. The name - which has been passed down to today almost unchanged - is an homage to Carlo Goldoni, the playwright, writer and librettist who set the trilogy “Le mania per la villeggiatura” in Livorno. The theatre is packed with history: the Italian Communist Party was formed here during the Congress of the Socialist Party in 1921.
After a demanding restoration, 2004 saw the rebirth of the Goldoni Theatre in the presence of the then President of the Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, with a performance of the Cavalleria Rusticana, the famous opera by the Livorno-born composer, Pietro Mascagni. Since then, the vast oblong room and charming 115 boxes have come back to life with numerous productions, programmes packed with shows, and educational events. Not only that, inside the theatre you can admire a permanent exhibition dedicated to Pietro Mascagni where you can find some of the items owned by him.
