Teatro del Giglio (Theater of the Lily), Lucca
Teatro del Giglio (Theater of the Lily) is a historic theater and opera house in Lucca, located in the eponymous Piazza del Giglio (Lily Square). The original theater on this site, known as Teatro Pubblico (Public Theater), was inaugurated in 1675 and later destroyed by fire. A new theater in its place, rebuilt after the Napoleonic war in 1818, features a Neoclassical style with rusticated portico, surmounted by a balustrade upholding pilasters that lead to a tympanum with the coat of arms of the city.
The frieze on the front carries the inscription “Teatro Comunale del Giglio”. The name giglio (“lily”) derives from the fleur-de-lis emblem, which was part of the Bourbon heraldic shield of the reigning duchess, Maria Luisa of the House of Bourbon.
During the 19th century the theater underwent modification, seeing first gas and then electric lights installed – in 1872 and 1911, respectively. Famous all over the world for its extraordinary acoustics, the building became the stage of choice for Giacomo Puccini's operas. Here, from 1891 to 1924, the maestro had personally supervised the staging of Edgar, Manon Lescaut, La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and the Girl of the West.
The theater brought glory to the musician, seeing him progress from “chronicle to myth”. Giacomo Puccini is still very much present at the Giglio today, not only as the name on billboard that pays homage to his greatness every season, but also as the spirit that is felt on the stage, in the boxes and stalls, as well as in the musicality of the typical cadence of the "talk about Lucca".
The Teatro del Giglio is annexed to the Auditorium Theater and the old convent church of San Girolamo’s library holding a fund of approximately 4,000 volumes and recordings of shows since 1985.
The frieze on the front carries the inscription “Teatro Comunale del Giglio”. The name giglio (“lily”) derives from the fleur-de-lis emblem, which was part of the Bourbon heraldic shield of the reigning duchess, Maria Luisa of the House of Bourbon.
During the 19th century the theater underwent modification, seeing first gas and then electric lights installed – in 1872 and 1911, respectively. Famous all over the world for its extraordinary acoustics, the building became the stage of choice for Giacomo Puccini's operas. Here, from 1891 to 1924, the maestro had personally supervised the staging of Edgar, Manon Lescaut, La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and the Girl of the West.
The theater brought glory to the musician, seeing him progress from “chronicle to myth”. Giacomo Puccini is still very much present at the Giglio today, not only as the name on billboard that pays homage to his greatness every season, but also as the spirit that is felt on the stage, in the boxes and stalls, as well as in the musicality of the typical cadence of the "talk about Lucca".
The Teatro del Giglio is annexed to the Auditorium Theater and the old convent church of San Girolamo’s library holding a fund of approximately 4,000 volumes and recordings of shows since 1985.
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Teatro del Giglio (Theater of the Lily) on Map
Sight Name: Teatro del Giglio (Theater of the Lily)
Sight Location: Lucca, Italy (See walking tours in Lucca)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lucca, Italy (See walking tours in Lucca)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lucca, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Lucca
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lucca is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lucca's City Wall and Gates
As one of Italy's Città d'arte's (arts towns), Lucca is famous, among other things, for its well-preserved ancient walls encircling the historic center. From about 570 AD until 1847 the city had been the center of the Longobard administration and the capital of old Tuscany, and as such required a defense system to render it an impenetrable fortress.
Back in the Middle Ages, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Back in the Middle Ages, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Lucca Introduction Walking Tour
Lucca is called many things: a city of arts, a city of churches, gardens, towers. Most of all it is known for its walls. From Roman times until now the walls have stood. It is the only city in Italy that has kept its walls intact.
The inner walled city is laid out in the ancient Roman grid plan. The Piazza San Michele is the site of the old forum. Bits of the Roman amphitheater can be found in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The inner walled city is laid out in the ancient Roman grid plan. The Piazza San Michele is the site of the old forum. Bits of the Roman amphitheater can be found in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Puccini's Lucca
One of the greatest musical talents of mankind, Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, was born and spent a substantial part of his life in the Tuscan city of Lucca. Today the legacy of Puccini resonates all over the world and even more so here.
Puccini's ancestors, also musicians, moved to Lucca in 1719. The future maestro was born in a house that had belonged to his family since 1815 – Casa... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Puccini's ancestors, also musicians, moved to Lucca in 1719. The future maestro was born in a house that had belonged to his family since 1815 – Casa... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles