Vicenza
The Teatro Olimpico was Andrea Palladio’s last masterpiece (he died in 1580). It is the oldest surviving roofed theatre in the world, having opened its doors in 1585 and performances still take place their occasionally. Here we see the 'scaenae frons' (the architectural background of the stage), designed by Palladio's talented colleague, Vincenzo Scamozzi. In the centre is the main archway, known as the 'porta reggia'. The setting is that of the streets of ancient Thebes (the first play to be staged was Sophocles's 'Oedipus Rex', which is set in that city).
Vicenza
The Teatro Olimpico was Andrea Palladio’s last masterpiece (he died in 1580). It is the oldest surviving roofed theatre in the world, having opened its doors in 1585 and performances still take place their occasionally. Here we see the 'scaenae frons' (the architectural background of the stage), designed by Palladio's talented colleague, Vincenzo Scamozzi. In the centre is the main archway, known as the 'porta reggia'. The setting is that of the streets of ancient Thebes (the first play to be staged was Sophocles's 'Oedipus Rex', which is set in that city).