Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Opera House in Citta della Pieve, Umbria

In our Italian village, Citta della Pieve there is a theatre which until last week, we had only seen photos of, as our visits had not coincided with its opening. Constructed between 1830 - 1834 to the design of Giovanni Santini, a well known Umbrian architect, this little gorgeous opera house underwent a 10year renovation beginning in 1990, by local artisans Antonio & Mario Marroni. So we were thrilled to be able to glimpse its interior recently when a local band was performing. It is absolutely delightful with beautifully intricate painting on the ceiling and upper walls and 4 levels of private balconies around the perimeter. The mood of the space is "Allegro", in the true sense of the word - lively and happy. If you happen to be in this area and there is a production performing in this gorgeous opera theatre, definitely visit as it is quite astonishing that a town of this size has such a jewel of a public space.