La Fenice Opera House (Teatro La Fenice)
Campo San Fantin, 1965, Venice, Veneto, 30124
One of Italy’s most prestigious performance venues, La Fenice Opera House (Teatro La Fenice) has been at the heart of Venice’s cultural scene for centuries. While its storied history since opening in 1792 includes fires and restorations, it remains a much-loved venue known for its ornate interiors and world-class shows. Come to take guided tours behind the scenes or attend opera and ballet productions in a truly historical setting.
The Basics
La Fenice has a rather understated facade that belies the opulence within, and it’s an impressive sight whether or not you’re a fan of opera or ballet. A tour of this famous opera house is a must for any music lover, so consider joining a walking tour of Venice’s highlights that includes a stop at the theater to learn first-hand about its fascinating history and architecture. Of course, you can also soak in the elegant atmosphere by enjoying a concert, ballet, or opera during the performance season.
Things to Know Before You Go
Purchase performance tickets in advance to ensure a seat.
The theater boxes and gallery are accessible to wheelchairs.
The dress code for opening or gala performances is semi-formal; regular performances is smart casual. Shorts or sleeveless t-shirts are not allowed.
Photographs are allowed during theater tours but not performances.
There is a cloakroom where large bags, umbrellas, and cameras must be left during performances.
How to Get There
Teatro La Fenice is located on the Campo San Fantin square in the heart of Venice. Take Vaporetto (public ferry) line 1 or 2 to the Rialto stop; from there, it’s a short walk to the theater.
When to Get There
Performances at the Teatro La Fenice run year-round. The theater is open for tours daily, though opening times may vary when there’s a rehearsal or performance scheduled.
The Rise of the Phoenix
The theater’s name, La Fenice—or “The Phoenix”—pays tribute to an earlier theater, owned by the same company, that burned down. Unfortunately, the name proved prescient—La Fenice burned down twice, first in 1836 and again in 1996. Both times, though, it was rebuilt.
Ways to explore
La Fenice’s understated facade hides the lavish beauty within, and it’s an impressive sight for any visitor, irrespective of whether you’re a fan of opera and ballet. A tour of the opera house is a must for music fans, so consider joining a walking tour of Venice’s highlights, which includes a stop at the theater to learn about its fascinating history and architecture. Of course, you can also soak in the elegant atmosphere by booking tickets for a concert, ballet, or opera during the performance season. You can take a private or shared gondola ride past the theater.
Accessibility
La Fenice Opera House is wheelchair accessible with reserved areas within the theater for wheelchairs.
Age limits
Children under 4 years cannot attend performances.
What to pack
Small bag, printed or digital tickets, fan
What to wear
Formal attire is preferable for evening performances, while smart-casual is fine for afternoons: no flip-flops, tank tops, or shorts at any time. If visiting when there’s high tidal levels—which can occur periodically between October and March—the low-lying area around the opera house can become flooded, and you may need rubber shoes to reach the venue.
Not allowed
Recording is prohibited, and latecomers must wait until the interval to enter.
Amenities
Cafeteria, cloakroom, shop, restrooms
Address
The opera house is located in the San Marco district on an island on the edge of the Rio di San Marco Canal. Many visitors come here during a guided tour of Venice’s sights, often including a gondola ride.
Driving
La Fenice Opera House is in the heart of Venice, so you can’t access it by car. Instead, you can drive to Piazzale Roma, then get a water bus (vaporetto) to the opera house.
Public transportation
If traveling by vaporetto, you can take line 1 or 2 to Rialto Bridge or San Marco Vallaresso—both are within walking distance of the opera house.
Best times to visit
The best time of day to visit depends on whether you’re going for a performance or a tour. Matinee performances are generally quieter than evening performances.
Best days to visit
The best days to visit depend on your chosen performance. Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends for tours.
Best months to visit
Spring (April to June) and September are ideal times to visit Venice, when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller than in summer.
Special events
La Fenice Opera House offers a diverse performance schedule year-round. If you’re in Venice on New Year’s Day, be sure to attend the special New Year’s concert.
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