Florence is no doubt a city rich with culture. With its centuries of history, endless amounts of art, fantastic food, and mesmerizing landscapes, there's so much to discover. An aspect of its heritage that's well worth exploring is its theatrical scene. Known as the birthplace of opera (one of the first operas performed was Jacopo Peri's Dafne at Palazzo Corsi in 1598!), it makes sense that the city is brimming with stunning theatres and a wide range of performances to enjoy. Florence takes pride in its roots just as much as it does its international community, so there are even performances to enjoy in their original language.

Teatro della Pergola

Designed by Fernando Tacca, this teatro on via della Pergola was built in 1656, making it one of the oldest theatres in Florence. Notably, it was the first theatre to offer private viewing rooms. The intention was to offer the best seat in the house and prevent feuding noble families from engaging in fights during performances. This horseshoe-shaped auditorium is dripping in opulence, with blush red seats and a grandiose chandelier lighting the elegant interior. Much more than a theatre, it is the centre for Fondazione Teatro della Toscana,, making it of national importance with its many activities and hundreds of varied events. For more information, see This article on Teatro della Pergola

Teatro Verdi

Considered the largest theatre in Tuscany, Teatro Verdi's six-tiered box seats set the stage for powerful performances. The space on via Ghibellina began as a 14^th century prison, and some of the former jail cells can still be seen in the underground levels of the building. Later converted into a theatre, it was the only one built during Florence's reign as the capital of Italy in the 1800s. Present day Teatro Verdi is the official concert venue for Orchestra della Toscana, the region's renowned classical ensemble. Their annual calendar includes international acts and an impressive holiday programme. This festive season, don't miss Tchaikovsky's much-loved masterpiece, The Nutcracker.

Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

Top-caliber classical music and opera are hosted in these hallowed halls in piazza Vittorio Gui, with this stunning auditory space a vessel for operas, concerts, productions for children, and more. Complete with indoor and outdoor auditoriums, their extensive repertoire guarantees an unforgettable experience all year round. Their New Year's event is a highlight of Florence's festive calendar, with the annual gala dinner and concert proving the perfect way to usher in the new year.

Teatro Puccini

What was once a dance hall, a boxing ring, and several other miscellaneous stages, this theatre's typical 21^st century audience is made up of locals looking for a good laugh. Teatro Puccini on via delle Cascine is well-known for its comedies and satires and is much-loved by Florentines and visitors alike. With many performances and events for children, internationally renowned performers present their works on the grand stage.

Teatro di Cestello

Perseverance best describes this theatre in piazza di Cestello when we think about its tragic ruin during the 1966 Florence flood, forcing it to close for 20 years before reopening in 1985. Today, we enjoy this theatre's consistently well-curated calendar, with shows for children and workshops for all ages dedicated to the truly passionate. With a programme of shows in original language, you'll find everything from Spanish dramas to Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol in English, making it one to bookmark.

Teatro di Rifredi

Teatro di Rifredi located in via Vittorio Emanuele II offers a local, authentic theatrical experience. Quaint but significant, this theatre has stood the test of time. The theatre was built in 1913 and then burnt down. It was reconstructed in the 1920s, and its success has continued to the present day. The 1960s and '70s saw the theatre as a hot spot for cabaret and pantomime in Florence. This theatre features shows for schools and children. In addition, Teatro Rifredi hosts a showcase of performances with LGBTQIA+ storylines and a dedicated run of international visual theatre.

An evening spent at any of the city's many theatres is bound to create unforgettable memories, with a truly magical experience guaranteed.