In the heart of Barcelona, just a few metres from theHotel España and Marché de la Boqueria is the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
It has been staging opera performances for over 150 years.
The world's greatest singers, ballet troupes and dance companies have all performed at the Liceu.
Even if you're not going to see a show, the building is well worth a visit, as it's a historic monument in its own right.
Today, I'd like to take you on a tour of this unusual establishment.
Liceu in Barcelona: article summary
A brief history of Barcelona's Liceu theater
Verdi's Aïda, Puccini's La Bohème or Wagner's Parsifal: no opera can resist the charms of the Liceu, which has seen the likes of Montserrat Caballé and José Carreras take to the stage. Since its opening in 1847, Opera legends such as Enrico Caruso, Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti have all graced its stage.
But drama is not confined to the stage at the Liceu. Its very history is steeped in tragedy and resurgence. Two years after the Olympic flame was lit in Barcelona, fire once again took hold of the city, but this time in the worst possible way. On January 31, 1994, a fire destroyed the hall and stage.
A building that stands the test of time and history
It wasn't the first time this Barcelona landmark had gone up in flames. A fire in 1861 destroyed most of it, and the theater was the scene of an anarchist attack in 1893, when a bomb exploded on stage during a performance, killing 22 and injuring 35.
Fortunately, the building survived. Today's Liceu is a faithful reproduction of the oldbut it has been enlarged and many technical improvements have been made. Entering its main hall is like stepping back into the 19ᵉ century.
Barcelona's Liceu: a huge, unique venue
A grand neoclassical marble staircase leads to the second floor, with the Galerie des Glaces, a beautiful hall that retains the atmosphere of the old theater.
The hall, inspired by Milan's Teatro alla Scala, has a horseshoe-shaped floor with five levels of stalls that can accommodate more than
for 2,000 people. The space was decorated by two internationally renowned Catalans. The curtain is the work of designer Antoni Miró, and the paintings on the ceiling are by the famous artist Perejaume.When the show starts, you can sit back and relax. It's almost impossible for the theater to catch fire again. it is now made from flame-retardant materials.
How to get to the Liceu theater
To get there, you have several options. The area is very well served by public transport. You can take :
You can also get there on foot. The theater is located in the center of Barcelona and can easily be reached from the main road. Sagrada Familia or the Gothic district.
What are the opening hours?
Outside performance periods, you can visit the theater:
- Monday to Friday 11.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Of course, on performance evenings, you can attend the various shows. from 7 pm.
The Liceu Theatre is a unique venue in Barcelona, combining performing arts and architecture. Long subjected to the ravages of time, it has managed to remain standing despite the various fires that have broken out. Today, it is a cultural mecca and a prime venue for tourists wishing to discover the various plays performed there. A detour perfect for an evening out with friends or family.
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