HISTORICAL SITES
Teatro Comunale
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Claudio Abbado Municipal Theatre
Just a few steps away from the Estense Castle, at the crossroads that the people of Ferrara are used to calling 'I 4S', you will find a splendid building characterised by a loggia and the two sides connected by the double rounded corner of the main front. This is the Teatro Comunale di Ferrara. Since 2014 it has been dedicated to the famous conductor Claudio Abbado, who was its artistic director for many years.
Hitorical Notes
The construction of the theatre dates back to the period between 1773 and 1797, and was carried out according to the plans of architects Antonio Foschini and Cosimo Morelli.
The main entrance, facing Corso Martiri della Libertà and the Castle, is identified by the loggia, while the side facing Corso Giovecca has none.
Entering the theatre caveo, you will be fascinated by the splendid decorations, entrusted in 1791 to Serafino Barozzi and then renovated in the first half of the 19th century. The most significant intervention was the "romantic" one by Francesco Migliari, who painted a curtain inspired by Orlando Furioso in 1833. During the same period, the perforated rose window and the lumiera, which takes light from the roof, were added to the ceiling, where there are four scenes from the life of Julius Caesar, evidence of the patriotism that permeated that era.
But besides the beautiful decorations, there is more. When you visit the Municipal Theatre in Ferrara, you will find yourself in one of the places of fundamental importance for what was the debate that led to the development of the so-called 'teatro all'italiana', with its elliptical shape and five tiers of boxes up to the ceiling and the greater depth that characterises the stage.
The 'Ridotto' of The Theatre
Right next to the theatre's main entrance you will pass through an archway and, immediately on your left, the elegant white marble grand staircase will appear, leading to the Ridotto rooms. These spaces were completed last, in the early 19th century. A meeting area for theatre audiences then as now, with rich baroque decorations, the wonderful ceiling painted by Migliari and the walls of the Sala Grande adorned with gilding.
The Ridotto also hosts the 'Ferrara Musica al Ridotto' festival, meetings with the public, book presentations and can be rented for private events.
The Rotonda Foschini
An architectural feature of the theatre in Ferrara is the striking elliptical Rotonda Foschini.
It is like an eye that opens wide to the sky. It is in the city centre, and yet it cannot be seen. To find it, you will have to arrive there by chance, or look for it. Dedicated to Antonio Foschini, who was one of the two designers of the Teatro Comunale, the Rotonda Foschini is among the city's metaphysical places par excellence.
Created as a crossing place for the carriages of the time, today it is closed to traffic so that its beauty can be enjoyed in quiet tranquillity. It has a distinctive elliptical shape, and is also used as an exhibition space or as a venue for events.
It is beautiful both during the day and in the evening, and never ceases to amaze with the colours it offers passers-by. The bright orange of the façade, on a warm sunny day, stands out against the blue of the sky. At night, illuminated and silent, it is the most romantic place to kiss your lover.
After a quick search on social media, you will find thousands of photos immortalising its beauty. Don't miss a selfie or pic here!
Ph. ©Marco Caselli Nirmal