2 Best Performing Arts in Venice, Italy

One of Italy's oldest opera houses has witnessed many memorable operatic premieres, including, in 1853, the dismal first-night flop of Verdi's La Traviata. It has also witnessed its share of disasters: the most recent being a horrific fire that burned most of the interior; it was deliberately set in January 1996, and was followed by endless delays in a complicated reconstruction. In keeping with its name (which translates as "The Phoenix," coined when it was built over the ashes of its predecessor in 1792), La Fenice rose again. It was restored and once again hosts seasons of symphony, opera, and dance.

The acoustics of the reconstructed theatre have received mainly positive reviews, but attitudes expressed toward the decoration (replicated based on the style of the early-19th century, but using cheaper, less exacting techniques) have been mixed. According to music critics, in recent years less well-known and accomplished artists have been booked, the production quality has deteriorated somewhat, and some operas (because of budget cuts) are presented in concertante (just sung, without staging). Visits to the theater are available daily from 9:30–6; download the La Fenice app, available in several languages, for a free 35-minute self-guided audio tour for adults and a 30-minute tour for children.

La Fenice's more intimate sister venue was built by the powerful Grimani family in 1677, opening as the Teatro Grimani a San Gristostomo and soon becoming one of Europe's most famous theaters. The theater at first hosted theatrical productions, including many works by Metastasio and, later, Goldoni. It became an opera house in the early 19th century and was renamed Malibran in 1835, after Maria García Malibran, the great soprano of her day. It was converted into a movie theater in 1927 and then reopened for live performances in 2001 after lengthy restoration. Be careful when booking as some seats have restricted views.