Thing to do
Rialto Market
Venice's historic food market beside the Rialto Bridge, with a fish market under the Pescheria loggia and fruit and vegetable stalls in the surrounding squares.
Teatro La Fenice
Venice's opera house, opened in 1792 and twice rebuilt after fires, offering opera and concerts in the evening and self-guided visits of its gilded auditorium by day.
At a glance
- Type
- Opera house
- Area
- San Marco, Venice, Italy
- Official site
- teatrolafenice.it
Good to know
- Daytime visits
- Opera
- Concerts
- Ballet
- Box office
Why we recommend it
Teatro La Fenice is Venice's opera house and one of the most famous theatres in Italy. Its name means the phoenix, and it has lived up to it. Designed by Giannantonio Selva, it opened on 16 May 1792. A fire destroyed it in December 1836, and it reopened a year later after rebuilding by the Meduna brothers. On 29 January 1996, while closed for maintenance, it was destroyed again by an arson attack. It was rebuilt following the principle of "as it was, where it was", based on a project by Aldo Rossi, and reopened in December 2003 with a concert conducted by Riccardo Muti.
Over two centuries La Fenice has premiered operas by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi, including La traviata. Today it runs a full season of opera, symphonic concerts and ballet, usually opening in November, and it also programmes performances at the smaller Teatro Malibran near the Rialto. Seeing a performance in the gilded horseshoe auditorium is one of the great evenings Venice has to offer, and tickets range widely, so there are options for most budgets. A season for under-35s offers reduced prices.
If you cannot make a performance, the theatre opens for daytime visits, generally from 9:30 to 18:00, though the schedule can change at short notice when rehearsals or events take place. Visits are booked through the theatre's official visits partner, linked from its website, and take you among the stucco and gilding of the theatre's halls and auditorium.
The theatre publishes a clear dress code. Black tie is recommended for the opening night of the season, and formal dress for other premieres. On other evenings a shirt and jeans are acceptable, and afternoon performances are smart-casual, but shorts and sleeveless T-shirts are not allowed in the auditorium. The box office in Campo San Fantin is open daily, and tickets can also be bought by phone through the Venezia Unica call centre.
La Fenice suits music lovers, couples and anyone who wants a classic Venetian evening, while the daytime visit works for families and architecture fans. Allow about 45 minutes for a visit. The theatre is a short walk west of St Mark's Square; the nearest vaporetto stops are Giglio and San Marco Vallaresso.
Teatro La Fenice FAQs
Can I visit La Fenice without seeing a show?
Yes. The theatre opens for daytime visits, generally from 9:30 to 18:00, though times can change at short notice.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Black tie is recommended for the season's opening night and formal dress for premieres; on other evenings a shirt and jeans are fine, but shorts and sleeveless T-shirts are not allowed in the auditorium.
Where is the box office?
In Campo San Fantin, San Marco 1965, open every day from 10:00 to 17:00.
When does the season start?
The main opera and concert season usually opens in November.
Why is it called La Fenice?
It means the phoenix. The theatre was destroyed by fire in 1836 and again in 1996, and was rebuilt both times.
Are there discounts for young people?
Yes. The theatre runs a special offer for under-35s.
How do I get there?
It is a short walk from St Mark's Square; the nearest vaporetto stops are Giglio and San Marco Vallaresso.